To make the thread pass through the eye of a needle needs a good eye and a steady hand, which is difficult and even impossible for elderly people. A camel, on the other hand, is a very large animal that cannot possibly pass through a tiny hole, like the eye of a needle.

Jesus’ statement, which is meant to convey this sense of impossibility, astounds the disciples, prompting them to ask, “Who then can be saved?” (v 25). While with human beings, this is impossible, Jesus replies that with God’s intervention, all things are possible. As long as one thinks only in terms of human abilities, he will not be able to overcome “hardness of heart” which prevents him from perceiving God as the ultimate good. It is only through God’s grace that people can understand what is truly good and be determined enough to pursue it with their whole heart.

The good news that Jesus brings is that salvation is not achieved through a legal claim but is received as a free gift of God who makes all things possible. On the matter of wealth and poverty, it is well to ponder these words of St. Augustine: “Poverty is the load of some, and wealth is the load of others, perhaps the greater load of the two. It may weigh them to perdition. Bear the load of your neighbor’s poverty, and let him bear with you the load of your wealth. You lighten your load by lightening his.”

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?”

Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”