Daily Gospel Reflection
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August 16, 2022
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?”
Jesus looked at them and said,
“For men this is impossible,
but for God all things are possible.”
Then Peter said to him in reply,
“We have given up everything and followed you.
What will there be for us?”
Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you
that you who have followed me, in the new age,
when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory,
will yourselves sit on twelve thrones,
judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters
or father or mother or children or lands
for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more,
and will inherit eternal life.
But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
“Who then can be saved?” Oddly, this is the disciples’ first question to Jesus after his description of the rich man. Why? None of the disciples could rightly consider themselves rich people. They were wanderers with no homes, no incomes, and likely no food besides what was offered to them by supportive listeners. Why would it matter to them if the rich can or can’t be saved?
Jesus’ response helps us understand the disciples’ fear. “[E]veryone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more.” Material wealth alone is not the issue, even if it is a significant barrier to Christian charity for many. Instead, I hear the Lord cautioning us against any undue attachments we have in our lives, even those closest familial ties, to remember we can have only one God, only one true object of our devotion.
Although it is hard to admit, it is common in our families, friendships, and workplaces to develop dynamics that distract from this calling to love God above all else. Whether we are the devotee or the ones demanding devotion, our gospel today reminds us that it is never too late to set ourselves and others free.
When we begin to hold God in the highest esteem and dedicate our lives to God’s glory and justice, our relationships with things and people find their balance. Then, we begin to live with a generous heart, gladly sharing the earth’s goods and relishing every moment alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ, with whom we will one day share life in God’s kingdom.
Prayer
Christ our teacher, you call each of us to be free of the things that enslave us, and enter into the true freedom of the children of God. Open our hearts, that we may accept your invitation, “Come, follow me.” Give us the grace today to commit our whole selves more fully to you. Help us especially this day to overcome any attachments in our lives that prevent us from following you as energetically as we can. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Stephen was crowned the first king of Hungary in 1001 and united that nation under Christianity.
He literally established the Church there—erecting churches and recommending bishops to lead in different regions. He commanded tithes to be paid to support new monasteries and parishes, and suppressed pagan beliefs.
He stayed close to the poor. Anyone could tell him their story and find a ready ear, but he made himself especially available to poor people. In one story, he disguised himself to distribute money and goods to the poor himself. A crowd gathered around him, and a small number roughed him up and took for themselves what he had intended to give to many. He laughed it off, happy to suffer for Christ, and resolved to never refuse support to any poor person who asked him.
His son, Blessed Emeric of Hungary (pictured here as a boy), was to be heir to the throne, but died in a hunting accident. Stephen was grief-stricken, and spent the rest of his life amidst bitter disputes about his succession.
He died from a painful illness in 1038. On his deathbed, he raised his right hand and asked the Virgin Mary to be Queen of Hungarians. His right hand remained incorrupt after his death and is kept intact as a relic. Known simply as the Holy Right, it is kept in Budapest to this day as a sign that Mary accepted his offer.
Shortly after his death, healings took place at the tomb of St. Stephen. He was canonized as the first confessor king—a new category of saint—and his relics are on display in the Basilica. The image of St. Stephen was created by Matthew Alderman '06.
St. Stephen of Hungary, you cared most for those in need—pray for us!
Image credit:
Matthew Alderman '06, used with permission