Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 19:20-30

 

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said,  “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

 

After reading yesterday’s gospel reading and then reflecting on today’s, one would again think that being a “rich man” would be a sin. Jesus tells his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” Like in yesterday’s gospel, the reference to being a “rich man” again refers to our alliances and our worldly possessions. Who do we love more, money or God? Jesus is telling us that if we put our hearts into worldly investments, we will not share in the Kingdom of God. We must be willing to invest our time and our talents in the church. Jesus is not opposed to the wealthy; in fact he has friends who are wealthy.

 

Jesus uses the reference of a camel passing through the “eye of a needle” to explain obedience. The eye of the needle is the small door that allowed late night travelers to enter the city without having to open the large gates.  This was done to keep the marauders out of the city and protect its inhabitants. A man would have to bow down to enter through this door, but a camel would have to get on his knees and crawl through the door. This was a very difficult task for a camel, but not impossible. Jesus reassures disciples that “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” We must put our faith in God if we want to make it into heaven. We will not be riding high on the camel, but on our knees crawling in forgiveness and penance. Jesus promises that those who have “given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.”

 

God calls us to put him first. We must put him before everything else. Not just before money and wealth, but before life itself. We must accept what God calls us to do. It may mean giving up significant things including wealth. Our reward for our sacrifice is eternal happiness and joy in the Kingdom of heaven.  We are rewarded for the sacrifices we make in the name of Jesus. Jesus is telling us that no sacrifice will go un rewarded. Whatever we place on the altar of God will become a new treasure for us in heaven.

 

A Simple Prayer

Most heavenly Father God,

My time and my talents are yours,

Use them as you will.

You have given me so much,

May I always love you first,

And do your will.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon