Gospel in Art: It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle...

Camel (Albino) Contemplating Needle (Large) Installation by John Baldessari, 2013 © Photo Courtesy of Beyer Projects, New York

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 13 October 2024
Mark 10: 17-27

Jesus was setting out on a journey when a man ran up, knelt before him and put this question to him, 'Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?'

Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You must not kill; You must not commit adultery; You must not steal; You must not bring false witness; You must not defraud; Honour your father and mother.'

And he said to him, 'Master, I have kept all these from my earliest days.' Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him, and he said, 'There is one thing you lack. Go and sell everything you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.'

But his face fell at these words and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.

Jesus looked round and said to his disciples, 'How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!' The disciples were astounded by these words, but Jesus insisted, 'My children,' he said to them 'how hard it is to enter 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 the kingdom of God.' They were more astonished than ever. 'In that case' they said to one another 'who can be saved?' Jesus gazed at them. 'For men' he said 'it is impossible, but not for God: because everything is possible for God.'

Reflection on the Contemporary art Installation

When Jesus says, "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God", he uses an exaggerated, vivid image to stress the difficulties wealth can present in pursuing the spiritual life. The "eye of a needle" was a common metaphor in the ancient world, symbolising something nearly impossible. Jesus was not condemning wealth in itself but warning about the attachments and distractions it can create. Those with material wealth can become consumed by their possessions, status, and comfort, making it harder for them to focus on the values of humility, generosity, and dependence on God. Jesus knew how riches can build a false sense of security, leading people to trust in their own power rather than in God's grace.

However, Jesus also emphasises that, while it may be difficult, it is not impossible. When His disciples express shock, asking, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus responds, "With man it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God". This beautifully highlights that salvation is not something we earn through our own efforts, wealth, or status. It is a gift of grace from God.

John Baldessari's playful installation offers a whimsical yet profound reflection on Jesus' famous teaching of today's Gospel reading. Baldessari's artwork features a larger than life-sized sculpture of an albino camel standing before an oversized, freestanding needle. The installation brings to life the hyperbolic image used by Jesus, yet with a surreal and ironic twist. By enlarging the needle and positioning the camel as if it's seriously contemplating the impossibility of its task, Baldessari underscores the challenge of Jesus' metaphor. Baldessari invites viewers to reflect on the deeper spiritual message behind the visual, using humour and scale to engage with timeless religious themes in a fresh and accessible way.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-10-17-27-2024/