Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Ba tuần 20 Thường Niên
Chúa Giêsu nói rằng con lạc đà bước qua cái lỗ của cây kim còn dễ hơn là một người giàu có có thể bước vào được Nước Trời, Chúa Giêsu có lẽ muốn cảnh báo chúng ta về sự nguy hiểm của sự giàu có. Chúa Giêsu mô tả những cái nguy hiểm của sự giàu có. Khi lòng trí con người chúng ta đã bị sự giàu có vật chất thâm nhập vào rồi, con người chúng ta cũng giống như hạt giống đã rơi vào giữa những bụi gai, khi những thứ vật chất, ham muốn thu hút con người nên họ tự chà đạp lấy lương tâm của họ bởi những sự quan tâm làm giàu của họ với niềm vui trong cuộc sống, và vì đó tâm linh của họ không được phát triển và trưởng thành. Họ rất nhỏ nhoi trong mắt Thiên Chúa. Ham muốn của họ và tình yêu thương của họ không thể mở rộng. Họ đã làm nô lệ cho cả nghìn thứ nhu cầu, như những áo quần, máy móc thời trang mới nhất, hay một ngôi nhà đẹp lộng lẫy, phaôi có những chiếc xe ô tô thứ xịn, cộng với những bữa tiệc xa hoa mỗi tuần.
Những người như vậy đang dần dần bóp nghẹn tâm linh và tinh thần của họ như những bụi gái đang lấn ép nhưng hạt giống rơi trong bụi gai. Nếu con người chúng ta đã lăn vào trong cuộc sống dư thừa của cải vật chất, có lẽ chúng ta nghĩ rằng chúng ta có thể làm được tất cả những thứ trên đời này mà chẳng cần đến Thiên Chúa! hoặc Thiên Chúa không còn tồn tại trong lòng chúng ta nữa.
Mặc dù Chúa Giêsu thường nói đến sự nguy hiểm của sự giàu có, nhưng Ngài không nói rằng những người giàu không thể vào Nước Thiên Chúa. Không phải những người giàu nào cũng không có vào được nước Thiên Đàng. Bởi vì không phải chính sự giàu có điều là những điều xấu xa cả, nhưng sự giàu có chính là mối nguy hiểm cho sự cứu rỗi đời đời của chúng ta. Sự giàu có là một phúc lành hỗn hợp hay là người nghèo có thể là một phúc lành tuyệt vời. Tất cả phụ thuộc vào thái độ của chúng ta đối với sự giàu có và những cách mà chúng ta biết dùng của cái của chúng ta một cách thích hợp.
REFLECTION
In saying that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God, Jesus is simply warning us of the danger of riches. Jesus' description of the danger of affluence was penetrating. Like seed among thorns, materialists are stifled by the cares, riches and pleasures of life, and they do not mature. They remain ridiculously small in the eyes of God. Their desires and their love cannot expand. They are enslaved by a thousand needs, for the latest fashions, for a beautiful house with two or more cars, for a television and computer set on every floor, another new freezer, costly cocktails and lavish parties. Such people are progressively choked spiritually and mentally.
If people are rolling in wealth for quite some time, they come to think that they can well do without God. Although Jesus often spoke of the dangers of wealth, he did not say that it was impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. It is not that those who have riches are shut out from the kingdom of God. It is not that riches are evil in themselves but they are a danger to our eternal salvation. Being rich is a mixed blessing. Being poor can be a great blessing. It all depends on our attitude towards wealth and its place and its proper use in God's Kingdom here on earth.
Tuesday 20th Ordinary Tine 2023
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.” Matthew 19:24–26
According to one tradition, the “eye of the needle” referred to a gate in the wall of Jerusalem. During the day, there was a large gate that was open through which a camel could easily pass. But at night, the larger gate was closed and there was a smaller opening in the center of the gate that allowed people to pass through. A camel, however, could not pass through that smaller opening unless it got down on its knees, had its load removed from its back, and then crawled through. In referencing this story, Saint Anselm states that “the rich should not be able to pass along the narrow way that leads to life, till he had put off the burden of sin, and of riches, that is, by ceasing to love them” (Catena Aurea). So is it possible for a camel to enter through the “eye of the needle” and, therefore, a rich man to enter into Heaven? Yes. But only under the condition of being on their knees, humbling themselves, and ridding themselves of the “baggage” of their riches.
For those who are truly rich in the things of this world, this Gospel passage may be difficult to read and reflect upon. It was spoken in reference to the rich young man who asked Jesus how he can enter into eternal life. Jesus’ answer was “go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” At that, the rich young man went away sad because he was clearly attached to his wealth.
Jesus’ explanation above, however, should give hope to anyone who struggles with this high expectation. The disciples were truly troubled by what Jesus said, and that is why Jesus followed up by saying, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” For God all things are possible! This statement of fact should be carefully pondered and believed by anyone who struggles with being overly attached to material riches. It should also be noted that one can be attached to riches even if they do not have riches. The desire for more is the attachment that needs to be cleansed, not the actual possession of riches. In fact, it is possible to have many possessions and not be attached to them at all. This is the beauty of poverty of spirit. But be careful not to presume that you have perfected this beatitude too quickly. Jesus’ statement above was said out of love for those who are overly attached to the things of this world. So if this is you, be merciful to yourself and pay close attention to Jesus’ words and your own interior struggle with this.
Reflect, today, upon this clear and unambiguous statement of Jesus. “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.” Do you believe this? Can you accept this? Is Jesus speaking to you through this passage? Again, even if you are materially poor, is your desire for riches strong? If so, this passage equally applies to you. Allow this passage to sit within your heart in a prayerful way and try to be as honest as you can with yourself as you read it. Do not hesitate to choose the true riches of Heaven over the passing things of this world. In the end, the value of spiritual wealth infinitely outweighs anything you possess for your short time here on earth.
Lord of true riches, You desire that each of us be filled with spiritual wealth that is infinitely greater than anything we could obtain in this world. Please free me from my attachment to material wealth so that I can live free from that burden. Help me to see the value of the treasures of Your grace and mercy and to make this true wealth the single focus of my life. Jesus, I trust in You.
Tuesday 20th Ordinary Tine 2023
Opening Prayer: Lord, here I am. Show me your face; show me your love for me. I know that without you I am nothing, and yet you want to give me everything. I want to love you—teach me how. Whether you want to console me or challenge me, I’m here to listen.
1. Tough Love: This Gospel is a hard Gospel. It can be tempting to try to rationalize it, to say that Matthew is talking about spiritual poverty, but Christ’s words are very clear: “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.” Of course, it’s not that Christ measures out his love based on our degree of poverty—he is not so legalistic. No, Christ is warning us: having material wealth can lead to attachments that may distract us from loving God and loving our neighbor. Prudence and temperance are virtues that can help us to live in comfortable circumstances without becoming trapped by them.
Tuesday 20th Ordinary Tine
2022
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I hear your call today to be detached from everything that could separate me from you, from whatever would make it hard for me to enter the kingdom of heaven. I long to be with you, and to experience this kingdom here on earth. I want to live like one who is aware that there is only one thing in life that really matters, being with you in eternity. Help me to open my heart to your message for me today. Help me to hear your voice, and to be truly attentive to how I need to change my life.
For God All Things Are Possible: Jesus taught his disciples that riches can make it hard for one to enter the kingdom of heaven. The disciples were dismayed. Jesus took advantage of their incredulity to underline the fundamental truth that, for God, even the hardest things, like getting a camel through the eye of a needle, are possible. Jesus wanted to reassure them. Like the disciples, we can sometimes experience the difficulty of living the Gospel and find ourselves discouraged. Let’s let Christ urge us on—when we do it with God, we can succeed!
Chúa Giêsu nói rằng con lạc đà bước qua cái lỗ của cây kim còn dễ hơn là một người giàu có có thể bước vào được Nước Trời, Chúa Giêsu có lẽ muốn cảnh báo chúng ta về sự nguy hiểm của sự giàu có. Chúa Giêsu mô tả những cái nguy hiểm của sự giàu có. Khi lòng trí con người chúng ta đã bị sự giàu có vật chất thâm nhập vào rồi, con người chúng ta cũng giống như hạt giống đã rơi vào giữa những bụi gai, khi những thứ vật chất, ham muốn thu hút con người nên họ tự chà đạp lấy lương tâm của họ bởi những sự quan tâm làm giàu của họ với niềm vui trong cuộc sống, và vì đó tâm linh của họ không được phát triển và trưởng thành. Họ rất nhỏ nhoi trong mắt Thiên Chúa. Ham muốn của họ và tình yêu thương của họ không thể mở rộng. Họ đã làm nô lệ cho cả nghìn thứ nhu cầu, như những áo quần, máy móc thời trang mới nhất, hay một ngôi nhà đẹp lộng lẫy, phaôi có những chiếc xe ô tô thứ xịn, cộng với những bữa tiệc xa hoa mỗi tuần.
Những người như vậy đang dần dần bóp nghẹn tâm linh và tinh thần của họ như những bụi gái đang lấn ép nhưng hạt giống rơi trong bụi gai. Nếu con người chúng ta đã lăn vào trong cuộc sống dư thừa của cải vật chất, có lẽ chúng ta nghĩ rằng chúng ta có thể làm được tất cả những thứ trên đời này mà chẳng cần đến Thiên Chúa! hoặc Thiên Chúa không còn tồn tại trong lòng chúng ta nữa.
Mặc dù Chúa Giêsu thường nói đến sự nguy hiểm của sự giàu có, nhưng Ngài không nói rằng những người giàu không thể vào Nước Thiên Chúa. Không phải những người giàu nào cũng không có vào được nước Thiên Đàng. Bởi vì không phải chính sự giàu có điều là những điều xấu xa cả, nhưng sự giàu có chính là mối nguy hiểm cho sự cứu rỗi đời đời của chúng ta. Sự giàu có là một phúc lành hỗn hợp hay là người nghèo có thể là một phúc lành tuyệt vời. Tất cả phụ thuộc vào thái độ của chúng ta đối với sự giàu có và những cách mà chúng ta biết dùng của cái của chúng ta một cách thích hợp.
In saying that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God, Jesus is simply warning us of the danger of riches. Jesus' description of the danger of affluence was penetrating. Like seed among thorns, materialists are stifled by the cares, riches and pleasures of life, and they do not mature. They remain ridiculously small in the eyes of God. Their desires and their love cannot expand. They are enslaved by a thousand needs, for the latest fashions, for a beautiful house with two or more cars, for a television and computer set on every floor, another new freezer, costly cocktails and lavish parties. Such people are progressively choked spiritually and mentally.
If people are rolling in wealth for quite some time, they come to think that they can well do without God. Although Jesus often spoke of the dangers of wealth, he did not say that it was impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. It is not that those who have riches are shut out from the kingdom of God. It is not that riches are evil in themselves but they are a danger to our eternal salvation. Being rich is a mixed blessing. Being poor can be a great blessing. It all depends on our attitude towards wealth and its place and its proper use in God's Kingdom here on earth.
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.” Matthew 19:24–26
According to one tradition, the “eye of the needle” referred to a gate in the wall of Jerusalem. During the day, there was a large gate that was open through which a camel could easily pass. But at night, the larger gate was closed and there was a smaller opening in the center of the gate that allowed people to pass through. A camel, however, could not pass through that smaller opening unless it got down on its knees, had its load removed from its back, and then crawled through. In referencing this story, Saint Anselm states that “the rich should not be able to pass along the narrow way that leads to life, till he had put off the burden of sin, and of riches, that is, by ceasing to love them” (Catena Aurea). So is it possible for a camel to enter through the “eye of the needle” and, therefore, a rich man to enter into Heaven? Yes. But only under the condition of being on their knees, humbling themselves, and ridding themselves of the “baggage” of their riches.
For those who are truly rich in the things of this world, this Gospel passage may be difficult to read and reflect upon. It was spoken in reference to the rich young man who asked Jesus how he can enter into eternal life. Jesus’ answer was “go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” At that, the rich young man went away sad because he was clearly attached to his wealth.
Jesus’ explanation above, however, should give hope to anyone who struggles with this high expectation. The disciples were truly troubled by what Jesus said, and that is why Jesus followed up by saying, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” For God all things are possible! This statement of fact should be carefully pondered and believed by anyone who struggles with being overly attached to material riches. It should also be noted that one can be attached to riches even if they do not have riches. The desire for more is the attachment that needs to be cleansed, not the actual possession of riches. In fact, it is possible to have many possessions and not be attached to them at all. This is the beauty of poverty of spirit. But be careful not to presume that you have perfected this beatitude too quickly. Jesus’ statement above was said out of love for those who are overly attached to the things of this world. So if this is you, be merciful to yourself and pay close attention to Jesus’ words and your own interior struggle with this.
Reflect, today, upon this clear and unambiguous statement of Jesus. “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.” Do you believe this? Can you accept this? Is Jesus speaking to you through this passage? Again, even if you are materially poor, is your desire for riches strong? If so, this passage equally applies to you. Allow this passage to sit within your heart in a prayerful way and try to be as honest as you can with yourself as you read it. Do not hesitate to choose the true riches of Heaven over the passing things of this world. In the end, the value of spiritual wealth infinitely outweighs anything you possess for your short time here on earth.
Lord of true riches, You desire that each of us be filled with spiritual wealth that is infinitely greater than anything we could obtain in this world. Please free me from my attachment to material wealth so that I can live free from that burden. Help me to see the value of the treasures of Your grace and mercy and to make this true wealth the single focus of my life. Jesus, I trust in You.
Opening Prayer: Lord, here I am. Show me your face; show me your love for me. I know that without you I am nothing, and yet you want to give me everything. I want to love you—teach me how. Whether you want to console me or challenge me, I’m here to listen.
1. Tough Love: This Gospel is a hard Gospel. It can be tempting to try to rationalize it, to say that Matthew is talking about spiritual poverty, but Christ’s words are very clear: “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.” Of course, it’s not that Christ measures out his love based on our degree of poverty—he is not so legalistic. No, Christ is warning us: having material wealth can lead to attachments that may distract us from loving God and loving our neighbor. Prudence and temperance are virtues that can help us to live in comfortable circumstances without becoming trapped by them.
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I hear your call today to be detached from everything that could separate me from you, from whatever would make it hard for me to enter the kingdom of heaven. I long to be with you, and to experience this kingdom here on earth. I want to live like one who is aware that there is only one thing in life that really matters, being with you in eternity. Help me to open my heart to your message for me today. Help me to hear your voice, and to be truly attentive to how I need to change my life.
For God All Things Are Possible: Jesus taught his disciples that riches can make it hard for one to enter the kingdom of heaven. The disciples were dismayed. Jesus took advantage of their incredulity to underline the fundamental truth that, for God, even the hardest things, like getting a camel through the eye of a needle, are possible. Jesus wanted to reassure them. Like the disciples, we can sometimes experience the difficulty of living the Gospel and find ourselves discouraged. Let’s let Christ urge us on—when we do it with God, we can succeed!
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