Tuesday 18 August 2009

"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven."




Following on from yesterday's Gospel, Jesus speaks to his disciples about material possessions.
As the rich young man went away 'sad' the disciples looked on with sorrow in their hearts. Jesus chose that very moment to say to the disciples, 'it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven' and He repeats it saying, 'it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.'

If we fill our hearts with the material things of this world it is impossible to have a real and meaningful relationship with Christ. Material possessions may help us to reach Christ but we cannot make our possessions our god.

'Our hearts are restless until they rest in Christ.'

Do I value the needs of my soul more than the needs of my body?

4 comments:

Flick Saunders said...

What a clever image - the needle and camels!

I was interested in the statement towards the end of your blog Father Miceal - that 'material possessions may help us to reach Christ...'

Having done a bit of retail therapy this week, that statement cheered me!

So, provided I am correctly focussed, a bit of candy floss (as it was referred to in Lourdes) is fine!

Because of our demography, we live in an affluent society and have a cosy lifestyle which can make me feel quite uncomfortable at times when reading Gospels such as that of 18th August! Thanks for putting it in perspective!

Anonymous said...

I feel envy for all those who have the possibility to attend the morning weekday Holy Mass. Most of us have to work and so miss out on the most Holy gift of the Eucharist during the week. Recently it came to my notice that St Joseph church Dorking hold Monday mass at 7.30pm for which I participate with great joy. I was wondering then, would it not be possible for the churches in the area to organize a one day evening mass on different days of the week. It would give the rest of us working members the possibility to receive the most Holy Eucharist during the week. Is it not worth at least trying it out ..... ?

Khoi said...

Yes, Anonymous. I would also love to go to Mass and receive the Eucharist during the week.
In the meantime why not read the Reading and the Gospel of the day?

Ludvico said...

Anonymous, thanks for the tip on the Monday Dorking mass. Monday will become the highlight of the start of my week.Yes I agree, I would be forever grateful for the possibility to attend week day evening masses. Till now I experimented with spiritual communion when visiting St Ann on Adoration days and during mass celebrated on EWTN, Tele Pace and Tele Padre Pio. The last two programs are in Italian. These channel broadcast very interesting programs like talks from Fr Corapi, Holy mass, rosary from Lourdes and Fatima and easily accessed via the internet or satellite. I would like to invite all to start a novena for this wonderful grace that will effect the working section of the community, I will be praying to Beata Imelda Lambertini for her sweet intercession.