Today's Gospel in Art - It's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle

You want me to do What? Part of the Pastor Shep Series by Susan Mattison, © Pastor Shep by Susan Mattinson

Gospel of 20th August 2019 - Matthew 19: 23-30

Jesus said to his disciples, 'I tell you solemnly, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Yes, I tell you again, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.' When the disciples heard this they were astonished. 'Who can be saved, then?' they said. Jesus gazed at them. 'For men' he told them 'this is impossible; for God everything is possible.'

Then Peter spoke. 'What about us?' he said to him 'We have left everything and followed you. What are we to have, then?' Jesus said to him, 'I tell you solemnly, when all is made new and the Son of Man sits on his throne of glory, you will yourselves sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or land for the sake of my name will be repaid a hundred times over, and also inherit eternal life.

'Many who are first will be last, and the last, first.'

Reflection on the Cartoon

Just like religion, humour is an important part of our human condition. Both are inherently good, healthy, and can be liberating. So when looking at funny cartoons, we should treat this art form with as much respect as any other art form. Jesus kept the attention of the crowds that came to listen to Him, so He must have had a charismatic, compelling, attractive personality and I am sure he must have used humour at times. He didn't just bring the Word of God to life, he drew in people with a personality that was amazing to be around...

So, back to our rich young man of yesterday's Gospel reading. Today Jesus comments further 'it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven'. The rich young man was a good man, who was seeking salvation. Problem was that he wished to 'obtain' it. For him, salvation could be earned by 'doing' something (that is why he put the question to Jesus, "What must I do?"). Of course the 'doing' of good things is essential in our faith, however, for Christ salvation is not only in the doing but also in the 'being'....

To read on see: www.christianart.today/daily-gospel-reading/148