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The Riches of Poverty
Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard
for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again I say to
you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” When the
disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who
then can be saved?” Matthew 19:23–25
In light of today’s Gospel, do you want to be rich? Most people do.
The thought of buying a big, beautiful home (or several of them)
can be enticing. Living the so-called good life, going on
extravagant vacations and driving expensive cars, is a difficult
desire to shed. Should you strive to shed that desire?
Today’s Gospel immediately follows Jesus’ loving conversation with
a rich young man who came to Him with the question: “Teacher, what
good must I do to gain eternal life?” Jesus could see the goodness
in the man’s heart, so He wisely drew the young man deeper. In
response to Jesus telling him to keep the commandments, the young
man confirmed that he had kept them since his youth. He then asked:
“What do I still lack?” Jesus lovingly revealed to him the road to
perfection: “Go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you
will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” That was not
what this rich young man wanted to hear, so he went away sad. The
perfection to which Jesus invited this young man was more than he
was ready to accept.
Back to our original question: Do you want to be rich? In today’s
Gospel, within the context of the young man leaving, Jesus turns to
those closest to Him and teaches them a lesson about the danger of
material riches. This was so shocking to the disciples that they
seemed disillusioned and asked, “Who then can be saved?”
We should see ourselves in both the rich young man and the
disciples who reacted with shock. Jesus wanted each of them to be
richer than they could ever fathom—but not in the fleeting material
things of this world. Though material wealth is not evil, as it is
necessary for us to care for our needs and those of our families,
money and possessions cannot in any way fulfill us. We might enjoy
money and possessions because they temporarily satisfy our desires
and offer sensory comforts, but the only lasting comfort and source
of fulfillment is found in God and His holy will.
When pondering the question—“Do I want to be rich?”—we should not
hesitate to say, emphatically, “No!” Why would we want something
Jesus so strongly warned against? Of course, while Jesus didn’t say
it is “impossible” for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of
Heaven, He did say that it is “hard.” Having riches, then, can be
compared to playing with fire. There is a good chance of getting
burned.
So it is with money. Based on Jesus’ direct teaching and the
sadness of the rich young man, we should all step back and look at
our attitudes toward money and possessions. The ideal interior
disposition should be one of a desire for simplicity, and even
poverty. Not a poverty of destitution, but one that is
characterized by accumulating very little, living a simple and
humble life, yet enjoying the necessities for self and family. Is
this the lifestyle you desire? Do you understand the wisdom behind
such a life and the dangers of a life of material wealth?
Reflect today on your desires and attitudes toward material wealth
and comfort. Ask yourself honestly whether you see riches as a path
to happiness, or whether you are truly open to the freedom that
comes with spiritual poverty. Consider the radical invitation Jesus
offered the rich young man—not as a burden, but as a gift. Ponder
what you may still cling to, and be courageous enough to let it go.
Seek to cultivate a heart that finds joy in simplicity, generosity,
and trust in God alone. In doing so, you will discover the
incomparable riches of a life lived for the Kingdom of
Heaven.
Lord of true riches, In You alone do we find the eternal
treasure that far surpasses the fleeting riches of this world.
Grant me the wisdom and strength to recognize the dangers that come
with money and possessions and to freely choose a life of
simplicity and detachment. May You and Your holy will be the only
treasure I seek, so that I may be drawn into the perfection to
which I’m called. Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: Jesus teaches
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