😂 Wait, Did Jesus Just Make a Camel Joke?
Fr. Simon starts with this hilarious-but-important line from the Gospel: “It’s easier to get a camel through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven.”
He thinks this is actually supposed to be funny! Not just “haha” funny, but deeply funny. There’s this idea floating around (starting from St. Cyril of Alexandria) that maybe Jesus wasn’t talking about an animal camel 🐪 but a giant ship’s rope 🪢 (Greek wordplay alert!). Either way, imagine someone trying to shove either of those through a tiny sewing needle. That’s ridiculous, and that’s the point.
🛑 But Don’t Buy That “Eye of the Needle” Gate Story
You might’ve heard this Christian myth about a teeny tiny gate in Jerusalem called “The Eye of the Needle” that camels had to crawl through. Fr. Simon calls that nonsense. 😆
That gate came way later in history, and Father explains they probably named it because of Jesus’ quote… not the other way around. So yes, Jesus meant a literal needle. And yes, He meant it’s impossible to squeeze a rich man into heaven if he’s clinging to his cash like Gollum with the Ring.
What’s the Real Problem with Riches?
Owning stuff? ✅ Fine.
Being owned by your stuff? ❌ Big problem.
Fr. Simon says we don’t actually own anything. Everything we have is on loan from God. We’re just stewards, not collectors. So, if your money, house, car, or 14th pair of Jordans are the center of your life… Jesus is inviting you to examine your heart.
Jesus’ Curveball: “Why Do You Call Me Good?”
The rich young man calls Jesus “Good Teacher,” and Jesus says:
“Why do you call me good? Only God is good.”
Now, Jesus is not denying He’s God. Fr. Simon explains: Jesus is testing this man.
This rich man thinks that goodness is something you can possess, like a new Rolex or a 401(k). But no… only God is Good. Everything else is only good for something. If your money isn’t blessing your family, the poor, your parish, or a ministry like Relevant Radio… then it’s just worthless.
Your Cash Isn’t Evil, But It’s Not Your God
Fr. Simon reminds you:
Your stuff should serve others, not own you.
Homework from Fr. Simon (and the Holy Spirit):
Ask yourself:
– “Do I own my things, or do my things own me?”
– “What is my money good for?”
– “Is Jesus my ultimate treasure?”
If the answers hurt a little… maybe that’s good. That’s growth. 🙏
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