Camel Through a Needle's Eye

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, “Then who can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”
Then Peter said in reply, “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” Matthew 19:23-30 

A Camel Through A Needle's Eye

Gracious and loving God who aches for us all
we live in a world where there is so much wealth
along side the worst poverty, hunger and isolation
the righteous unaware their privilege is crushing others.

We see what the greed and competition has wrought
we know that letting dollars rule us kills many
yet we secretly desire wealth, privilege and status
thinking  we are safe when we have amassed enough.

You told the disciples they needed to leave all
the last will be first and those who serve will lead
yet we humans adore our comforts too much
and the love of neighbor is our last regard.

Give us strength today to humble ourselves
let us see our privilege through hungry eyes
help us weep and pray asking forgiveness
so that we might finally honor and love all. Amen