through the eye of the needle than for the one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.” On
hearing this, the disciples were astonished and said, “Who, then, can be saved?” Jesus looked
at them and answered, “For human beings it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”

Then Peter spoke up and said, “You see, we have given up everything to follow you. What, then,
will there be for us?” Jesus answered, “You, who have followed me, listen to my words: on the
Day of Renewal, when the Son of Man sits on his throne in glory, you, also, will sit, on twelve
thrones, to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. As for those who have left houses, brothers, sisters,
father, mother, children or property for my Name’s sake, they will receive a hundredfold, and be
given eternal life. Many who are now first, will be last, and many who are now last, will be first.

Reflect

Growing up, I heard all sorts of stories trying to explain today’s Gospel. Later in life I realized
that most of these stories were an attempt to soften the Gospel and make it easier to accept.
My favorite story hypothesized that there was a gate into Jerusalem called “the Eye of the
Needle.” This gate was very narrow, so a fully-laden camel could not fit through it unless it was
unpacked. Thus, Jesus’ image was taken to mean that we cant get to heaven unless we are
willing to let go of our possessions, a version of “you can’t take it with you.”

But what if the Gospel means precisely what it says: that being rich makes it harder to get to
heaven? (Not impossible, of course, since with God all things are possible.) We have become
so conditioned to believing that wealth is the answer to all of life’s problems that we never
consider the reverse. Being rich can insulate us from the needs of those around us, blunt our
compassion, and even let us think that we don’t need God. The holy response is a grateful and
generous heart that gives everything back to God.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2023