They say "Money cannot buy you happiness." I say rather, money can buy happiness but only to a certain extent. I always feel euphoric whenever I get to buy the things that I want, especially when they are hard-earned. I take pleasure in seeing all my possessions for they remind me of my achievements. Our world teaches me to feed myself with pleasure and comfort, to strive in this life that I may attain those can serve and satisfy my needs. For quite some time, I have set goals for myself to achieve material ends. This is the way of the world for me. The more you have, the more you are successful in life, the happier you are. These are the very reasons for me to hold on to them, to cling to them.

Today's Gospel teaches us how to enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus told His disciples how hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven because of his possessions. It is true, before entering the seminary, I found it so hard to let go of all my possessions, my comfortable lifestyle, my personal time, etc. But Christ's invitation for me to look deeper with eyes of faith and see the true and everlasting possession, the kingdom of God which gives us everlasting happiness.

I do not want to assume that everything will be easy and quick. Jesus tells me not to be afraid of letting go, not to be afraid of having less, and not to be afraid of having nothing. It is a process I am willing to take. I cannot fully embrace God when I am holding onto many things. I also must gradually learn to let go and empty myself. I know great things come when God is in control and sustains me. For God, all things are possible.

By: Sem. Paulo O. Magistrado

Today's Gospel

Mt 19:23-30

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.
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."
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said,
"Who then can be saved?"
Jesus looked at them and said,
"For men this is impossible,
but for God all things are possible."
Then Peter said to him in reply,
"We have given up everything and followed you.
What will there be for us?"
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.
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.
But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."