Monday of week 8

Sirach 17:24-29; Ps 32(31):1-2. 5. 6. 7; Mark 10:17-27

Before we go down any theological rabbit holes - the eye of the needle. For a long time (from St Anslem of Canterbury, 11Cth onward) it has been popular to accept that this bit of hyperbole reported to be said by Jesus referred to a small, slit like gate in the walls of Jerusalem, which allowed people in and out after the main gates were closed, but forced them to unload their camels first. No such gate has ever been found, and there is no 'paper trail' back to indicate where such a story might have come from.

As may often be the case, it is probably better simply to take the Gospel text at face value. Certainly Jesus was using hyperbole, but that is OK, it was normal in rabbinical argument to do so. It really is a simple image, and an understandable one - if you burden yourself with excess baggage (spiritual or material) that will make it hard to get into heaven. We just need to be ready to put things in their proper place.

Posted in Daily Reflection.