Saint Bernardino Realino by Ermes Dovico

GOSPEL PEARLS

What do you do with your monthly salary?

Only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19: 23)

Gospel Pearls 17_08_2021

And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first. (Matthew 19: 23-30)

The proud are those who forget their limits as creatures and, in the false appropriation of natural gifts, believe that they are accountable to no one for the ways in which they manage their wealth. On the contrary, the poor in spirit are the humble who know that everyone's life hangs by a thread and whose ends are lovingly held by God. That is why wealth can sometimes obscure people's consciences. Obviously, it is possible for God to save even people endowed with material and spiritual wealth. This can only happen if, with His help, they do not become arrogant, therefore, believing they have enough to take care of themselves and remain in poor in spirit. Thus, even riches can become a means of salvation and blessing if they are used for the greater glory of God and to help those in need. How much of your monthly salary do you give to help the material needs of the Church?