Sirach 35:1-15; Ps 50(49):5-6. 7-8. 14, 23; Mark 10:28-31
But many who are first will be last, and the last first, said Jesus at the end of today's passage.
What does 'Many' mean? So, some rich people will get in to heaven despite their wealth? Does Jesus save us all anyway, unless we choose to refuse his grace?
It is a translation problem - as the idea of 'many' can in some languages mean 'all' and in other languages and cultures, just 'its gong to eb difficult for you [who have become attached to your wealth]. It seems that the language Jesus used, would tend towards the latter rather than the former, and this todays words are a codicil to the eye of the needle passage yesterday - emphasising the importance of loosing your ties to things, knowledge, power in this world. That stuff will all mean nothing in the next - but what you did with it could mean everything.