Sunday, September 15 (2), 2024
12th Sunday after Pentecost
1Cor. 15:1-11; Mt. 19:16-26                                          

“It is hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven” [Mt. 19:23].  A rich man here is someone who finds all means and support for his well-being in himself alone.  But as soon as he cuts off his affection for wealth, drops his reliance on his assets as a foundation of his entire life, ─ then he becomes in his heart just like anyone else who does not have much wealth, and the gates of the Kingdom are open for him.

There is nothing wrong in material wealth; moreover, it is good, for it gives an opportunity to do good to others.  The trouble is not in the affluence by itself, but in our attitude towards it ─ in our love of being wealthy.  This simple statement can be made more general:  the nature of our wealth is defined by what we love.  If our love is with God, if we cleave to Him with our hearts, then we gain wealth in God; otherwise, if we love something or someone else, if we direct the energy of our hearts away from God, then our assets are altogether different. 

Thus, if we “are not rich towards God” [Lk. 12:21], we cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.  There are numerous practical aspects of this fact ─ with regard to our origin, our connections, our talents and abilities, our achievements and honors, everyday behavior etc.

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