Monday, August 17, 2020 - 20th week of Ordinary Time - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew 19, 16-22 - Blessed are the poor in heart, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven!

One can always come to Jesus in a group or alone. Here someone came to Him, asking, "Master, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?" First, the man described Jesus as "a good teacher". Second, his desire to know what good things to do to gain eternal life. But he didn't ask about the flaws that must be undone. He wants to gain eternal life, like most of us. But let it not remain a mere desire, when we don't want to do anything about it. Let the desire be the image of what one does.

Jesus' answer is clear: the observance of the commandments comes first, in order to obtain the kingdom of heaven. Jesus lists some of them, as we have heard. Are we in agreement with these commandments? It takes effort. But it is not enough, we must go further if we want to be perfect: sell the wealth, give it to the poor and follow Jesus. It is not enough to conform to the laws. In other words, do not get attached to earthly things. Let nothing hinder us in our free consent to follow the Lord, otherwise we will be disappointed and drift away from the Lord. Attachment to wealth can be an obstacle to obtaining the kingdom of heaven.

Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. We must give up if we want to obtain more. Here, this man is too much hindered by his wealth; he preferred to leave and separate himself from the Lord, rather than renounce wealth. He traded God for riches. It is leaven that makes the dough rise, but it is also wealth that swells pride and haughtiness. Having a lot of money is not the ticket to paradise, for paradise is not for sale.