Dear Friends:
Our reading from Mark 10:17 – 30 today can be very challenging. A man approaches Jesus and asks him what he must do to gain eternal life. Jesus answers, “You know the commandments. You know what Moses taught you.” The man says, “I have done these my whole life.” Jesus lovingly tells him he must sell everything he owns give it to the poor and follow him. The man’s face falls and he goes away very sad for he was rich and owned many things.
Jesus goes on from that point and explains to the disciples that it will be hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus uses the famous line: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Jesus goes on to explain: “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”
What is this all about? It sounds very harsh. It seems as if no one will be able to get into heaven. I think we need to realize that Jesus is speaking emphatically to make a point. God does not want us to give up everything and follow him. But he does ask each of us to make sure he is the center of our lives and that everything we do should be done with Jesus and his teaching at our hearts. This might be difficult. Sometimes the world and what it offers is so attractive that it’s hard for us to center on Jesus and his teachings. The thing to remember is that when we do center on Jesus and his teachings, everything we do becomes a prayer; and although it may be difficult at times to pray this way, prayer will be the way to a close relationship with him and an entrance into the kingdom of God.
May God bless you and keep you always in his love!
Peace and All Good,
Deacon Jim