Tuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
What About Us?
Liturgical Cycle: A | Lectionary Cycle: II
Introduction
Year II. As God is the Lord of all the earth, so his prophet has the power to prophesy over the nations. Their pride, their wealth, and their human wisdom are subject to God and his laws. For God is the Lord of the history of all humankind.
Gospel. In today’s gospel, Peter asks, “What about us, Lord?” and Jesus answers that it is difficult for those who are attached to things to enter the kingdom of heaven. We want to follow him. Have we given up everything for his sake? Where do we stand? What is our situation? Jesus promises eternal life. The poor shall be rich. Those who follow Jesus throughout, even to the point of losing their lives, will live with God.
Opening Prayer
Lord our God,
we hold you to your promise
to those who have left everything
for the sake of your kingdom
and who are willing to follow your Son
wherever he leads them.
Let them be men and women
poor in the things that count on this earth
but rich with your love and your grace
and with a wealth of friends
to whom they can bring
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
First Reading
Against the King of Tyre
The word of the Lord came to me:
“Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre:You are very proud and self-satisfied:‘I am a god, I sit like a god in the heart of the sea.’Yet you are a man and not a god;would you think of yourself as wise as God?
You consider yourself wiser than Daniel;no secret is hidden from you.
Your wisdom and skills have made you rich, gold and silver poured into your treasury.
Clever in trade, you grew wealthy, and as your fortune grew, your pride increased.
But now, the Lord has spoken to you, to the one who pretends to be like God:
I am bringing foreigners against you, the most feared of all nations. Their sword will challenge your wisdom and diminish your refined culture.
They will bring you down to the pit, and you will diein the depths of the sea.
Will you still be able to say ‘I am a god’ when your murderers are killing you? You are a man, not a god.
You will die the death of the uncircumcised and perish at the hands of aliens, for I have spoken—word of the Lord.”
Responsorial Psalm
Deuteronomy 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab
R. (39c) It is I who deal death and give life.
“I would have said, ‘I will make an end of them
and blot out their name from men’s memories,’
Had I not feared the insolence of their enemies,
feared that these foes would mistakenly boast.”
R. It is I who deal death and give life.
“‘Our own hand won the victory;
the LORD had nothing to do with it.’”
For they are a people devoid of reason,
having no understanding.
R. It is I who deal death and give life.
“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. It is I who deal death and give life.
Close at hand is the day of their disaster,
and their doom is rushing upon them!
Surely, the LORD shall do justice for his people;
on his servants he shall have pity.
R. It is I who deal death and give life.
Alleluia Verse
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich
So that by his poverty you might become rich.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
Jesus told his disciples, “Truly I say to you: it will be difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Yes, believe me: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Hearing this, the disciples were astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and replied:
“For human beings, it is impossible, but for God, all things are possible.”
Then Peter spoke up and said:
“You see, we have given up everything to follow you. What then will there be for us?”
Jesus answered:
“You who have followed me, listen to my words: on the Day of Renewal, when the Son of Man sits on his throne in glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.
For those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, children, or property because of my name, they will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
Many who are now first will be last, and many who are now last will be first.”
Prayers of the Faithful
– That the Lord may open our eyes to make us put our hearts in the things that matter: love and service and generous sharing, we pray:
– That parents and educators may challenge the young to live for evangelical values, we pray:
– That we may welcome God’s grace when it is offered to us and respond readily, also when it makes demands on us, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
God our Father,
With bread and wine, we remember him
who gave himself totally for others,
your Son Jesus Christ.
Everything was taken way from him
except the certainty that he could count on you.
Make us more aware of the poverty
and emptiness of our hearts
and of the passing value of the things
to which we attach ourselves.
Convert our hearts and set them
on the riches and persons that never devaluate:
you and our neighbour,
justice, truth and generous love.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Lord our God,
we are easily satisfied with ourselves
and our own little worlds.
Wake us up and give us the courage
to set out with your Son
on his adventure of hope and love.
Make us ask ourselves
not what we have done for you
but what we have not done and not yet given.
By the strength of this eucharist,
help us to follow your Son generously.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Blessing
“What about us?” We know that the Lord knows us and loves us and that we are in his hands. No worry! May Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
REFLECTIONS
Matthew 19:23-30
With God, All Things Are Possible
Jesus never hides the truth. He looks into the eyes of His disciples and says something shocking: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven." These words are not meant to condemn, but to awaken. They are designed to make us pause and examine our hearts.
Who are the rich in this Gospel? They are not just those with full bank accounts. They are those who believe they need no one. They have closed their hearts to God and to others. But these things, Jesus tells us, cannot bring eternal life. They cannot fill the soul. Those who place their security in wealth, who make themselves the centre of everything, often find themselves isolated, anxious, and empty.
The rich, in this Gospel, are those who believe they can manage life on their own. They forget that everything we are and everything we have is a gift. When we cling tightly to possessions, status, or control, we become blind to the freedom that comes from depending on the Lord.
Jesus invites us, each day, to let go—to surrender whatever keeps us from Him. This is not easy. Letting go of control, pride, or even certain relationships can be painful. But God is not asking us to lose everything; He is asking us to grow. And we grow by trusting Him.
Peter asked, “We have left everything. What about us?” And Jesus responds with a promise: “You will receive a hundredfold… and eternal life.” God sees every sacrifice. He never forgets. What we give in love, He transforms.
So today, if the road feels steep, don’t be afraid. Share your struggles with God. Trust in Him. He can do what we cannot. He will lead you where you cannot go alone.
Because with God, nothing—absolutely nothing—is impossible.
Amen.
Coffee With God 20 August 2024- A reference letter from the poor