The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
12th October 2024
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God. One of Jesus's most memorable sayings, the severity of the message is only slightly offset by the absurdity of the image. Granted, needles then were no doubt much larger and more cumbersome than the finely engineered things we use now but even so ....... ! It is however quite likely that Jesus was referring to the eye of the needle, a low narrow gap in the city wall of Jerusalem through which, depending on size and load, it was just about possible to squeeze. But this in no way lessens the force of Jesus' word especially when one considers that it is not the extent of personal riches which is the issue, but the degree of attachment. This then is not just ominous for the very rich but for most us, for in this materialistic world we are so emotionally invested in what we own and possess. It has been said, the less we have the less there is to worry about. True enough, but the likes of St. Francis are rare in our midst and most of us prefer to live with the worry.
Who then can be saved? protested the disciples in utter astonishment. Jesus responded, for mortals this is impossible, but for God all things are possible. There is no memorable image here for the mind to fasten on to, but the words are some of the most encouraging and hopeful that we have from Jesus. For God all things are possible and therefore we should abandon self justification and all attempts to engineer our own salvation and trust entirely and gladly in God's grace and mercy. As a famous hymn puts it, All my hope on God is founded.
Tomorrow we have Breakfast@Nine which is an opportunity to develop and strengthen the bonds of fellowship whilst welcoming families and those less familiar with formal worship. As on recent occasions we will keep a leisurely breakfast allowing time for the team to clear up before we have a simple Service of the Word at 10am focussing on the gospel text. This will conclude with the sharing of the peace at about 10.15 after which Charles will play his organ voluntary while those attending the remainder of the Eucharist gather in church. The service will continue from that point with the offertory hymn and the preparation of the altar as we respond to Jesus' invitation to receive him, the living bread and the light of life.
Every blessing,
Charles Booth
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