Matthew 19:23-27 NRSVue

²³Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴Again I tell you, 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.” ²⁵When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, “Then who can be saved?” ²⁶But Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”

²⁷Then Peter said in reply, “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
The eye of the needle is a doorway in the old wall of Jerusalem. It was constructed to keep camels out and treasures in. The people would have enjoyed Jesus' play on the place name, and knew that he had a light way of saying something heavy. Possessions can keep us from God. Like yesterday's question, we can ask what is our heavy baggage that keeps us from entering the freedom of the children of God - love of wealth and comfort, holding onto hurt in the past or just the pride of wanting to be in charge of my own world.

Reflection
The things to which I am most attached can slow me down. I may sometimes tell others why they are important - and sometimes may convince myself. I allow God to speak to me about what is truly important, to draw me into the perspective of God's love.

Reflection
It is easy for me to measure myself against others, and to let my admiration become envy. I pray that I may be able to let go of some of my ideas about what I want for myself.