THE WORD TO THE WISE = EARLY FOR TRAVEL

[RB Williams, OP]

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026 - TUESDAY IN THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

[Ezekiel 28;1-10 and Matthew 19:23-30]

     "Amen, I say to you, it 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?"  [Matthew]

     It is difficult to determine whether Peter is thinking short-term or long-term.  "Sitting on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" has a glorious sound to it, but was that the "kingdom" the disciples were hoping for?  The earliest Christian communities did provide for those who gave up "houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands" for the sake of Jesus' name.  The Acts of the Apostles testifies to this. [Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35].  The real question is in the willingness to "give up" what appears to be "security" for what, to some, seems like "pie in the sky, by and by!"  Allegiance to personal possessions can make it extremely difficult to let go and live much more simply in order to bear witness to the Kingdom of God.    History provides examples in the way of life of such non-Catholic communities as the Amish or Mennonites, and in Catholic history in the USA in the Catholic Worker movement of Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin.  Jesus' image of the camel and needle's eye is not just hyperbole.  The widespread media coverage of the lives of the super rich can provide possible applications.  But Jesus does not say it is impossible to follow his teaching in this regard, but extremely difficult for people dedicated to maintaining wealth!

     A more mundane, but perhaps a closer image to many of us. may occur in the process of "downsizing" that many persons, especially the elderly, have to undergo.  The desire to live closer to children and grandchildren may mean leaving a home and many treasured items or spaces, filled with memories, that won't fit in the new place.   Jesus challenges all disciples to "downsize" a lot earlier than elderhood!  A greater reward is in store if we make the effort.  AMEN