If Camel can Pass through the eye of a needle, then nothing is impossible in life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:23-30*

*First Reading : Ez 28:1-10*

*If Camel can Pass through the eye of a needle, then nothing is impossible in life*

*1) Camel and the Eye of a needle*

In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks about the camel and the eye of a needle. 

Jesus says that it is not impossible for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle

We know the size of the camel and the size of the needle. 

It appears that it is impossible for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. 

But Jesus says that the camel can pass though the eye of a needle. If so nothing is impossible in life. 

*2) The Eye of a needle Gate in Jerusalem*

It is said that The "Eye of the Needle" was a narrow gateway into Jerusalem.

Only during the day the main Gate of Jerusalem was opened and at night it was closed. Night only the small gate was kept open to enter into Jerusalem

Since camels were heavily loaded with goods and riders, they would need to be un-loaded in order to pass through.

Therefore, the analogy is that a rich man would have to similarly unload his material possessions in order to enter heaven.

*3) Narrow gate into Heaven*

Jesus says *Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.* (Mathew 7:13-14.)

Since the gate leading to heaven is very narrow, one can enter only by adjusting ourselves to the narrow gate 

So one has to unload many things to fit oneself to the narrow gate 

*4) Rich man and Narrow gate*

Jesus says that a camel can enter through the eye of of needle but not the rich man. But Jesus didn't say that it is impossible

A camel which is near the gate of a eye of needle is ready to unlaod all the luggage and ready to enter through the narrow gate

Like wise if the rich man is able to unload all the luggage, then he/she can enter easily into the kingdom of Heaven

*5) Am I a overloaded Camel??*

A camel which is overloaded can't pass through the eye of a needle. It has to unload all the luggage

Likewise at times our life is like a overloaded camel, which is unable to enter through the eye of a needle

The following thjngs we need to unload from our life 

Anger

Jealousy

Pride

Revenge

Selfishness

Greed

Desire for worldly things 

Gossip

Unfaithfulness

Attitude of arrogance

Unless we unload this baggage, we are unable to enter into the eye of a needle

*6) Eye of a needle is a heaven's Gate*

All those who have to go to heaven will have to pass through this Gate 

There is no other gate than this to enter into the kingdom of God 

Unless we make ourselves fit into this gate, we are unable to enter into Heaven 

So, am I ready to unload my extra unwanted luggage???

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*