Threading the Needle
In tomorrow's Gospel reading Jesus tells his disciples,
I've heard sermons that puport there was a gate into Jerusalem called "The Eye of the Needle" which was low and a camel could enter on its knees. There is no historical or archeological evidence for this bit of homiletical fiction. Jesus is really talking about shoving the biggest land mammal anyone in his area had seen through the smallest opening anyone was commonly familiar with. It was intentional hyperbole to make the point that it is tough stuff for rich people to get into God's kingdom.
Is this because it is tougher to tithe on a million dollar income, as it means giving God $100,000? Why would it be more difficult for the wealthy? What do you think?
In the archives is the sermon The One Thing You Lack.
peace,
Frank+
The Rev. Frank Logue, Pastor + King of Peace Episcopal Church
"How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"Mark tells us in his Gospel that the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again,
A post at November in My Soul, Money, it's a hit, relates a recent incident on television that shows Christians can still see wealth as a sign of God's blessing. And yet Jesus felt that it would be more difficult for those with money to enter the kingdom of God."Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
I've heard sermons that puport there was a gate into Jerusalem called "The Eye of the Needle" which was low and a camel could enter on its knees. There is no historical or archeological evidence for this bit of homiletical fiction. Jesus is really talking about shoving the biggest land mammal anyone in his area had seen through the smallest opening anyone was commonly familiar with. It was intentional hyperbole to make the point that it is tough stuff for rich people to get into God's kingdom.Is this because it is tougher to tithe on a million dollar income, as it means giving God $100,000? Why would it be more difficult for the wealthy? What do you think?
In the archives is the sermon The One Thing You Lack.
peace,
Frank+
The Rev. Frank Logue, Pastor + King of Peace Episcopal Church
posted by King of Peace @ Saturday, October 14, 2006
1 Comments:
At 10/15/2006 8:52 PM,
Anonymous said…
My Rector had a intersting tag on this story. She said she wondered if the rich man still followed Jesus: that although he did not sell everything he could have taken to giving to the poor, or when the disciples passed by this village again, the rich man might've provided them with clean clothes, food and money. I think it's her desire to find good in all people that turned her thoughts in this direction. I admire her for this trait.
This train of thought brings me to this idea. Sometimes I'm more struck by what isn't said than what is said in regards to some of the bible parables/readings
As for the question... It's my thinking that wealthy people are more occupied with getting more wealth, like you can never have enough. It's like me and ties. I love ties and I'm always buying new ones even though I could wear a new one each day and would not have to repeat a tie for a good 90 days. I just have to have them. I become more obsessed with buying ties then buying a present for someone or giving to a charity or saving for a rainy day. Maybe wealth can be an impediment to keeping our eyes on the Lord???
God's Peace, Bob
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