This long and complicated passage poses many problems of interpretation, of which we can only touch the surface here for a small entry into understanding. Jesus is seen as surpassing the legalism of the current interpretation of the Jewish law, just as he did in the view of marriage presented in last week’s reading (Mk 10:2-11), and at length in Mt 5:17-48. True life does not come from mere obedience to the law, but from abandonment of the heart to God. In fact, trying to earn points in God’s eyes by legalistic scruples can be an excuse to cover up a lack of faith rather than a manifestation of genuine faith. Riches and possessions can erect a serious obstacles to this abandonment, but not an insurmountable one. The true willingness to place God first, and even to have that attitude tested by deprivation, is the first requirement for entry into the kingdom. Whatever the "eye of the needle" may be, it is small — and one cannot pass through carrying the baggage of egotism, pride, and worldly attachments. The question "what to do" to enter the kingdom has to be changed to "what to be": Jesus’ disciple with no conflicting interests.

To say that those who have wealth must simply become materially poor risks falling into another sort of legalism. Wealth must be used responsibly, for the benefit of those truly in need, and this could not be done by mindless abandonments. Seeing wealth only in terms of profit and self-aggrandizement is anti-kingdom and damnable. But seeing wealth as an opportunity for advancing the common good in Christ advances the kingdom at the same time. (But, let’s face it, the "more for me" temptation grows stronger even for the best of us as the dollars multiply!)

Although written nearly a thousand years after the death of Solomon, the book of Wisdom is put into his mouth to give it authority. Solomon’s own request for wisdom centered more on the political savvy to keep his people in order than on the discernment of God’s will for its own sake (see 1 Kgs 3:7-9), but the wisdom envisioned here is contentment with union with God’s plan manifested in right judgment and correct moral action.

This comparison between God’s infinity and human limitations puts us properly in our place: our destiny is fulfilled only when we are united to God’s will. Response: "Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy."

God’s self-revealing word is one, manifesting the fullness of his presence. This word is a threat to those who are not open in faith, but at the same time is a promise of life to faithful hearers. This word is effective — it accomplishes what it says. Those who hate God flee from it into self-destruction; those who love God come and are nourished. His word is a standard by which our own stature is measured.

1. Discuss the responsible use of wealth today in accord with the Gospel.

2. What is wisdom, and how do you grow in it?