I firmly believe that our salvation depends on the poor

“We must talk about poverty, because people insulated by their own comfort lose sight of it.” : Dorothy Day - Servant of God

Gospel text: Mt 19:23-30

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."

In the classic Disney film, Dumbo, a cartoon crow sings: “I … done seen about everything, when I see an elephant fly!” An elephant fly? Why, that’s impossible, just as impossible as … as … a camel fitting through the eye of a needle!

Yes, Jesus meant it. Some things really are so hard as to be impossible for us. For us, mind you, not for God. It’s important to acknowledge that and to realize that it’s God’s good pleasure to do for us what we cannot possibly do for ourselves.

Maybe you have already experienced God stepping into your life. At some point, you sensed his love and presence in a way that changed your life. But God doesn’t leave the rest up to you. He wants to help you overcome your faults and short­comings. He wants to tell you his thoughts and give you the mind of Christ. He wants to flood you with his goodness and help, his wisdom and mercy. For him, all things are possible.

He has started a good work in you, and he will help you through to the end!