Gospel of Mark, chapter 10:23

During Jesus’ time, there was a small gate breaching the walls of Jerusalem that was known as the “eye of the needle.” Unencumbered, a person could pass through this gate, but a camel, loaded with goods, was effectively locked out. Only by having it’s cargo unloaded and getting down on it’s knees, could a camel be pulled through this gate, known as the “eye of the needle.” This striking image of the camel and the needle’s eye is offered by Jesus as an example of the burden imposed by riches on those who wish to enter the straight and narrow road that leads to eternal life.

In today’s scripture, Jesus declares: “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God.” The rich young man in Mark 10:17-30 who approached Jesus, clearly was seeking the kingdom of God. In fact, his long adherence to the commandments proves as much. Jesus appreciated the young man’s good intentions as well as his example of following the ten commandments, but he pointed out the impediment to his becoming part of God’s kingdom-attachment to wealth and riches. The young man had not the will to lay aside the cargo of material things. Sadly, Jesus pointed out how this burden would bulge and bloat to the size of a camel and block his way into God’s kingdom. The story of the rich young man who was attached to wealth and money is true of many people today. Wealth is relative, and it is the attachment to wealth, period, that Jesus condemns. If you put your wealth and material things, no matter how large or small, before your devotion to Christ, you will be like the rich young man in today’s Gospel.

Everyone has a blind spot, a little vice, a prized possession that burdens us and keeps our hearts from being open to receive the gift of God’s Kingdom. We must rid ourselves of these obstacles in order to enter, childlike, into God’s kingdom. Attachment to materials things could be as simple as your attachment to a car or as complex as attachment to a yacht or a business. They are only things at the end of the day and in no way compare to the respect and honor due to almighty God.

Whatever it is in your life that forces you to resist the Gospel-whether it be money, a car, your business, your career; know that it is dulling you and tarnishing your spirit. Don’t let this happen to you. Let go of these useless burdens. Let God gift you. Like grateful and open – minded people, escape from the hold of material possessions and enter into the kingdom of light.

Set yourself free!

Fr. Hugh Duffy