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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.”
Matthew 19:24–26
According to one tradition, the “eye of the needle” referred to a
gate in the wall of Jerusalem. During the day, there was a large
gate that was open through which a camel could easily pass. But at
night, the larger gate was closed and there was a smaller opening
in the center of the gate that allowed people to pass through. A
camel, however, could not pass through that smaller opening unless
it got down on its knees, had its load removed from its back, and
then crawled through. In referencing this story, Saint Anselm
states that “the rich should not be able to pass along the narrow
way that leads to life, till he had put off the burden of sin, and
of riches, that is, by ceasing to love them” (Catena Aurea).
So is it possible for a camel to enter through the “eye of the
needle” and, therefore, a rich man to enter into Heaven? Yes. But
only under the condition of being on their knees, humbling
themselves, and ridding themselves of the “baggage” of their
riches.
For those who are truly rich in the things of this world, this
Gospel passage may be difficult to read and reflect upon. It was
spoken in reference to the rich young man who asked Jesus how he
can enter into eternal life. Jesus’ answer was “go, sell what you
have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.”
At that, the rich young man went away sad because he was clearly
attached to his wealth.
Jesus’ explanation above, however, should give hope to anyone who
struggles with this high expectation. The disciples were truly
troubled by what Jesus said, and that is why Jesus followed up by
saying, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are
possible.” For God all things are possible! This statement of fact
should be carefully pondered and believed by anyone who struggles
with being overly attached to material riches. It should also be
noted that one can be attached to riches even if they do not have
riches. The desire for more is the attachment that needs to be
cleansed, not the actual possession of riches. In fact, it is
possible to have many possessions and not be attached to them at
all. This is the beauty of poverty of spirit. But be careful not to
presume that you have perfected this beatitude too quickly. Jesus’
statement above was said out of love for those who are overly
attached to the things of this world. So if this is you, be
merciful to yourself and pay close attention to Jesus’ words and
your own interior struggle with this.
Reflect, today, upon this clear and unambiguous statement of Jesus.
“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.” Do you believe
this? Can you accept this? Is Jesus speaking to you through this
passage? Again, even if you are materially poor, is your desire for
riches strong? If so, this passage equally applies to you. Allow
this passage to sit within your heart in a prayerful way and try to
be as honest as you can with yourself as you read it. Do not
hesitate to choose the true riches of Heaven over the passing
things of this world. In the end, the value of spiritual wealth
infinitely outweighs anything you possess for your short time here
on earth.
Lord of true riches, You desire that each of us be filled with
spiritual wealth that is infinitely greater than anything we could
obtain in this world. Please free me from my attachment to material
wealth so that I can live free from that burden. Help me to see the
value of the treasures of Your grace and mercy and to make this
true wealth the single focus of my life. Jesus, I trust in
You.
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Featured image above: Title: Jerusalem. Jaffa Gate.
Needle’s eye. Matt. 19:24, via Wikimedia Commons
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