“Though our Lord Jesus Christ was rich, he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”   2 Corinthians 8:9
As the cantor proclaims this gospel acclamation this weekend, we are reminded that Jesus was “rich” in his intimacy with God.  From the very beginning, Jesus and the Father were one with the Spirit.  Therefore, Jesus divine nature reveals his wealth.  So too, Jesus became “poor” by becoming one of us and like we mortals, experienced death.  In a real sense, Jesus felt abandoned by God.  
Perhaps, when you spend time with the Lord in adoration or a few minutes after receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, you develop an intimate relationship with God.  Indeed, we share in the “riches” of Christ in these moments.   Perhaps, you have felt abandoned by God at times of pain or suffering or loss.  Indeed, in these times, we experience “poverty”.  We, in fact, are united with the sufferings of Christ.  It is at these times, when our Lord has not abandoned us at all.  Instead, Jesus fills us with his very self.  We, in turn become “rich” as abandonment is replaced by intimate love and grace.  Our hope lies in Jesus.