Kings And Kingdoms – Read Lk 18:18-30
Contemplation
Suddenly, there’s the sound of a trumpet and the crowds scurry out of the way. A group of people is coming through, with a very powerful man in the middle. The servants force people to one side and the big man comes up to Jesus. He’s wearing beautiful clothes and his bodyguards are making sure no one gets in the way. Jesus, standing in the middle of the mess and the fuss, looks up at the man. “So,” the big man says, “how do I get this eternal life you are promising?” “Well,” Jesus says, “you know the Torah. Don’t kill, don’t steal, don’t lie, care for your family.” The boss says, “I do all these things – I always have!” Jesus pauses. “You know,” he says after a while, “there is still one thing you need to do. Give up all this – the riches, the power.
These poor people you are pushing aside need them more than you. Come and follow me.” He’s shocked. Jesus keeps looking at him. “You know, this is what makes things hard – when you think you have everything you need. It’s like a camel trying to go through a needle.” Now the disciples are shocked. Isn’t being rich a present from God? “Who can be safe, then?” Jesus says, “Everything is a gift from God – even this is possible with God.” Peter says, “We have given up everything for you!” Jesus says, “Yes, I know – and you will get rewarded too – with everything and even life for ever.”
Talk to the people in the scene. Who feels closest to me? Why?