The
“eye of a needle” was the low rounded archways that led into the city of
Jerusalem. Camels would have to get on their knees and be
pushed through in order to cross through these gates. This was a very difficult
task. And so Jesus says it will be easier
for a camel to enter the city of Jerusalem, that the rich to enter the new city
of Jerusalem in heaven: the rich are those who trust in themselves, their
wealth, their opinions, their opinions of themselves and their self-serving
orientation to life. Heaven is for the “giver” and not the “getter!” Heaven
will be the place where truly everyone gives
constantly and infinitely, thereby also meaning it will be a place where
everyone gets exactly what they need!
The idea is that we get life on this planet to both learn this vital dynamic
and to practice it! St. Francis likewise said: it is in giving that we receive – he was right!
Poor little Gideon in the
first reading today thought he had nothing to give to God and the cause of
helping him establish his Kingdom on earth: but God showed him by a miraculous
conflagration of his meat and cake offering on a rock, that he is with him, and
always would be with him in carrying out his will against God’s enemies. Gideon
built an altar to God on the spot; we already have an altar of the God of
Presence and Protection, the God of Guidance and Direction; the God of Love and
Compassion: it is in our own hearts! And we will adore the holy host which will
reside there for us anew today, in just a few moments!
Jesus
Christ became poor although he was rich so that by his poverty you might become
rich
– in what really matters: faith, hope and love!
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