Today Jesus tells us, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God.” The disciples were amazed by Jesus’ words; overwhelmed not only because it seemed that no one could enter the Kingdom, but also due to a powerful Jewish tradition. Wealth was seen as a sign of God’s favor.
The Old Testament often linked obedience to God with prosperity and blessings. Look at the story of Job. Before he was tested, it was believed he flourished in his life because he refused to do evil and swore allegiance to the Lord.
Jesus, however, reversed this belief, challenging the notion that wealth equaled divine favor. He who had nowhere to lay His head condemned wealth, saying, “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” He proclaimed that the Kingdom belongs to the poor.
This was shocking for the Jews of Jesus’ day, yet Jesus’ actions showed nuance. He didn’t tell Lazarus, Martha, Mary, Nicodemus, or Joseph of Arimathea to give up their possessions. When Zacchaeus declared he would give half his goods to the poor, Jesus responded with, “Today salvation has come to this house,” without demanding Zacchaeus give up everything.
We see two sides of Jesus: the radical and the moderate. The radical Jesus links wealth with evil and demands total renunciation, while the moderate Jesus advises a prudent use of possessions to help the less fortunate. There is the Jesus who criticizes the selfishness of the rich, and the Jesus who appreciates the generosity of His wealthy friends. He forces a choice between money and God, but also loves those who balance both.
The message is clear: nothing should take the place of Christ in our lives. Possessions, whether adult stocks or children’s toys, power, or wealth, can become the center of our existence, overshadowing Christ. When that happens, we fail to hear His call to care, share, and let go.
The radical Jesus asks us: what rules our life, the camel or the Kingdom? The moderate Jesus reminds us that our talents and possessions are gifts from God meant to be shared. Each of us is gifted in various ways. Whether rich or poor, we are called to use our gifts for the betterment of others.
One of our Friars shared a story that captures this beautifully. He worked in the slums of Brazil and was anxious about returning to the States for study, worried about the stark contrast in lifestyle. His community reassured him, saying, “Do not worry, Father. Go and relax, study, enjoy yourself, but do not forget the poor.”
My friends, the poor are all around us, in need of more than just food or money—they need faith, care, and love. They may lack someone to care for them or simply to listen, and they could be your coworkers, neighbors, or family members. For the sake of the kingdom and your salvation, do not forget the poor. Then, you will witness the extraordinary, like camels passing through the eye of a needle.
I look forward every week to Fr. Bob’s discussion on the gospel every week. It enriches the homily for me. May Our Lord bless Father Bob and The friars always.
So grateful for these rich messages. I appreciated the instruction to remember to share our gifts for the betterment of others. The poor need faith, care, love, as well as our help financially. Autumn blessings to Father Bob and all the friars.
Father Bob , thank you so very much for your sermons every week. Your words always bring me to thinking about the gospels in a much deeper way.