1st READING
A disciple of Jesus is submissive to the will of God. Sin fosters in us an unhealthy kind of independence from God. He created and loves us. Through His Son, God has redeemed and empowered us with the Holy Spirit. Why, then, do we distance ourselves from such a generous God? But for some unknown reason, we let sin drive a wedge between Him and us. Let us pray for the grace to remain close to God.
Ezekiel 28:1-10
1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre: Thus says the Lord God: Because you are haughty of heart, you say, “A god am I! I occupy a godly throne in the heart of the sea!” And yet you are a man, and not a god, however you may think yourself like a god. 3 Oh yes, you are wiser than Daniel and there is no secret that is beyond you. 4 By your wisdom and your intelligence you have made riches for yourself; you have put gold and silver into your treasuries. 5 By your great wisdom applied to your trading you have heaped up your riches; your heart has grown haughty from your riches — 6 therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have thought yourself to have the mind of a god, 7 therefore I will bring against you foreigners, the most barbarous of nations. They shall draw their swords against your beauteous wisdom. They shall run them through your splendid apparel. 8 They shall thrust you down to the pit, there to die a bloodied corpse, in the heart of the sea. 9 Will you then say, “I am a god!” when you face your murderers? No, you are a man, not a god, handed over to those who will slay you. 10 You shall die the death of the uncircumcised at the hands of foreigners, for I have spoken, says the Lord God.
P S A L M
Deuteronomy 32:26-27, 27-28, 30, 35-36
R: It is I who deal death and give life.
26 “I would have said, ‘I will make an end of them and blot out their name from men’s memories.’ 27 Had I not feared the insolence of their enemies, feared that these foes would mistakenly boast.” (R) “Our own hand won the victory; the Lord had nothing to do with it.’” 28 For they are a people devoid of reason, having no understanding. (R) 30 “How could one man rout a thousand, or two men put ten thousand to flight, unless it was because their Rock sold them and the Lord delivered them up?” (R) 35 Close at hand is the day of their disaster and their doom is rushing upon them! 36 Surely, the Lord shall do justice for his people; on his servants he shall have pity. (R)
GOSPEL
What are riches for the Lord? Riches are nothing compared to eternal life. What should our attitude toward riches be? We should accept the wealth that comes our way and use it for everyone’s benefit, especially the poor. Riches beget selfishness; the more we have, the more we are prone to selfishness. Riches are a sacred trust given to us by the Lord for the building of His Church.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich so that by his poverty you might become rich.
Matthew 19:23-30
23 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. 24 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.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” 28 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. 29 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. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
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