Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Redz Domino SVD – San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
Tuesday 20th Week in Ordinary Time
During the Journée du Patrimoine in Paris, I had the opportunity to enter the Palais de l’Élysée, the residence of the President of France. The beauty of the place and the privileges attached to it made me realize why people crave position and power. Possession of such a palace can give one the impression of possessing the world, almost god-like.
The Prince of Tyre fell into this temptation. He used his wisdom and intelligence to increase his wealth and became arrogant. God reminded him that his throne was temporary: “Because your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god,’ … yet you are but a man, and no god, though you make your heart like the heart of a god” (Ezekiel 28:2).
Jesus made it clear to His disciples that it is difficult for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24). Why? Because riches often bind the heart, making worldly possessions seem more important than God’s eternal gifts.
Many people believe that having something is more important than being with Someone. They prefer to sit on the throne and be like god, rather than sit with God on His throne. Yet true glory lies not in possession but in communion.
Our Blessed Mother Mary shows us the way. Her crown of glory is not worldly power but being with God. “He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up the lowly” (Luke 1:52). The Assumption reminds us that the greatest crown is eternal life with Him.
The lesson is clear: thrones of this world crumble, but the throne of God endures. Wealth and power may dazzle, but only humility and faith lead to true glory. Let us seek not to be god-like in pride, but to be with God in love.
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