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| Dear Republicans, choose one. They are not a pair. |
Jesus had to repeat Himself. The crowd was surprised to hear what Jesus said. They understood the world taught that you get what you deserve in this life. But, to-day's Gospel* for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary time (Mark x. 17-30) says:
...And Jesus looking round about, saith to his disciples: How hardly shall they that have riches, enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus again answering, saith to them: Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches, to enter into the kingdom of God? It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. ...
This is another one to make some pew sitters squirm if they choose to hear. This Gospel falls serendipitously into the American election season. Officially, our society forbids partisan political preaching from the pulpit, but it happens. Sometimes it is directly by name, sometimes it is heavily stated, but only to avoid the name of the candidate, or party. To-day, there may be the incongruent situation [for those using the common lectionary, many Protestant churches follow a version of the Catholic lectionary] wherein the sermon/homily contradicts the Gospel. We know which party is the apologist, and champion, of the rich.
The Gospel goes further to suggest, all these things that are impediments to following God are idols. The favorite idol in America is Mammon. The quotation about the camel is very well known as a word of Jesus; yet people try to deny the only possible meaning.
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*Yes, that is in Mark. In Matthew xix. 24: And again I say to you: It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.
In Luke xviii. 25: For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
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