27 February 2017
Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s reading has many exegetes curious and most Americans worried. We have certainly heard the admonition from today’s gospel that it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Considering that most Americans are far wealthier than the rest of the world’s population, today’s reading could leave some with the distinct impression that there will be few in heaven who could sing the Star Spangled Banner. In moments like these, turning to the sage advice of St. Ignatius always is a good idea. In his First Principle and Foundation, Ignatius does not make a judgment concerning things as they are in themselves, rather he judges them in so far as they take us away or towards God. Resources are a valuable means by which we may move ourselves and others towards God’s divine intention and this includes education and the advancement of the human condition. These require no little financial resources. However, the gospels and our tradition of hearing the cry of the poor remind us that just as God has shared His wealth with us, we must be attentive to how we can carry out the consequence of being made in the image and likeness of God.