Fr Paul reads from Matthew’s Gospel (19: 23-30) in which Jesus astonishes his disciples by saying, ‘it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of Heaven’.

Fr Paul says, the three synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) have this passage following the testing and failure of the rich young man.  This parable of the eye of the needle is typical of the stark demands of Jesus.

Comforting though, Fr Paul notes, is the final stress Jesus places when he says we can leave everything to the power of a loving and merciful God. Further encouragement then comes from the next parable of the forgiving householder.

Peter then questions Jesus, ‘what about us?’ but Jesus says they must be prepared to wait – all will be revealed.

Fr Paul says, Peter’s question today reminds us that it is okay to ask God questions, but our challenge might be in listening to the answer.