Universal Utterings

for August 18, 2025

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08-18-2025 Matthew 19 v1624 Pass through an Eye of a Needle

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The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 19 Verses 16 thru 24

16 Now someone approached him and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?”17 He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”18 He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; 19 honor your father and your mother’; and ‘you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” 20 The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Then 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. 24 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.”

In Matthew 19:16-24, we encounter a profound conversation between Jesus and a wealthy young ruler. The ruler approaches Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. After affirming the importance of keeping the commandments, Jesus challenges him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, promising that he will have treasure in heaven. The young man's sorrowful response, as he turns away due to his great wealth, serves as a pivotal moment in the text.

Jesus then remarks on the difficulty for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, famously illustrating this with the analogy of a camel passing through the eye of a needle. This vivid imagery powerfully encapsulates the struggle faced by the wealthy. The eye of a needle represents an impossibly narrow passage, highlighting the significant obstacles presented by riches. While wealth can offer comfort, security, and the illusion of control, it often fosters attachment and a sense of self-sufficiency that distracts individuals from their dependence on God.

The more one possesses, the greater the temptation to rely on material possessions rather than on spiritual fulfillment. Riches can lead to complacency in the face of spiritual need and a false sense of significance. Thus, the challenge lies not in wealth itself, but in the heart's inclination toward it. Jesus does not condemn wealth, but rather the barriers it erects between individuals and their relationship with God.

Ultimately, the Kingdom of Heaven requires a radical shift in priorities—a willingness to let go of earthly attachments and recognize that true treasure lies in faith, love, and service. This call to simplicity and radical discipleship invites all, regardless of wealth, to reassess what truly matters in life. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

08-18-2025 Matthew 19 v1624

**Pass through an Eye of a Needle**

In days of old, a youthful soul,

With wealth amassed, he sought his goal,

"Good Teacher, what must I pursue,

To gain eternal life anew?"

"Keep commandments," Jesus replied,

A list of laws with love as our guide,

"You’ve kept these since your early years,

But something more awaits you my dear."

"Go sell your goods, give to the poor,

Then treasures in Heaven you’ll surely explore,"

But sorrow filled his heart that faithful day,

For riches bound him they had led him astray.

A camel’s plight through a needle's eye,

An image bold that makes us sigh,

For wealth can blind, it feeds the pride,

And draws our hearts from where hope abides.

With heavy heart, the young man turned,

A truth revealed, a lesson learned,

For riches can be a cruel obstinate chain,

While love and faith bring freedom’s reign.

Yet hope remains through One sacrifice,

In letting go, we find our life,

For in humility’s Divine embrace,

We glimpse the Kingdom in seeking God’s face. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 18, 2025 @ 04:54 AM EST

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