In yesterday's Gospel reading, we read how the theme of wealth as a possible obstacle to perfect discipleship is raised in the story of Jesus' encounter with the rich young man. With the inability of the young man to accept Jesus' challenge, Jesus gives a general teaching on wealth and discipleship. Not only is it difficult for the rich to enter God's kingdom, it is practically impossible.

The disciples, however, have been taught to believe that wealth is a sign of divine favour. So, Peter asks about the rewards of accepting Jesus' challenge to a life of radical poverty. In response, Jesus teaches that no one can enter the kingdom because of his or her own possessions or achievements. The kingdom is a gift from God. Therefore, in the age of the kingdom, the first followers will share in the glory of the Son of Man. By throwing away their goods, the disciples will inherit what the rich young man had sought in vain to possess.

This promise of Jesus to the disciples is one that also touches all those who willingly suffer loss of family or goods for the sake of Jesus. The reward of a 'hundredfold', whether it is given in this life or in the next, is theirs. In God, all human standards and plans are inverted. Those who seek to be first in this world, will be last in the world to come. Those considered the least, will be first into the Kingdom.