REFLECTION FOR TUESDAY OF THE TWENTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

"Being swollen with pride, you have said: I am a god; I am sitting on the throne of God, surrounded by the seas. Though you are a man and not a god you consider yourself the equal of God" (Ezk 28: 2). The above declaration by God through the prophet Ezekiel summarizes the readings of today which challenge our attitude towards wealth and power. 

   In the first reading (Ezk 28: 1-10), the prophet confronts the arrogance of the ruler of Trye, who, because of the wealth and power he has accumulated, now sees himself as god. However, he is reminded that when he is faced with death, all his possessions and fame will account for nothing in protecting him. Do God's blessings in my life bring me closer to God or I am so attached to them that I tend to ignore the giver of the blessings? 

   While reacting to the attitude of the rich young man, Jesus warns in today's gospel (Matt. 19: 23-30) on the consequences of being obsessed with earthly possessions. For Jesus, wealth and it's acquisition is not bad in itself, but we cannot pass through "the eye of a needle" into the Kingdom of God if we cling to them. Detachment is the key to following Jesus. 

   Dear friends, when we detach ourselves from earthly wealth and powers, and live a simple and focused life in the Lord even in the midst of wealth, God empowers us in grace to do and overcome impossible tasks. We can also be attached to some specific aspects of our lives to the point they become obstacles in our relationship with God. Can you let go of all for Christ? 

   I pray as we journey in life today, we will respond to the invitation from God to follow Him not because He needs us for anything, but because we need God for everything. May the Lord Himself give us divine grace to be poor in spirit even in the midst of His abundant blessings. May God teach us His path, so that we can walk in His truth (Ps 25: 4, 5) Have a Detachment-full day!