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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course
in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke
Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
Tuesday 20th
Week OT
St. Luke’s Institute
August 19, 2014
MEANINGS OF CAMEL/EYE
++++++++++++++++++++++
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What if this is literally true?
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That, “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”
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This Gospel verse says that my stuff is not
coming with me into the Kingdom
Ø
Or maybe if I have stuff, there is no entrance
wide enough to accommodate me
Ø
Or maybe it’s not literally true, & the
image of a laden camel symbolic 4 a high-minded collector
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Or it’s some ancient gate that’s so narrow I
will have to dismount my camel & all my belongings
THE REAL MEANING +++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Another meaning here can be seen as gracious
& filled w/ comfort
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This might be a magnificent invitation: we will
not need anything
Ø
We will be greeted and welcomed and ushered in
just as we are
Ø
We will need no protection from hot or cold,
from rain or snow
Ø
We will need no provisions for food or shelter
Ø
All our assignments are completed and projects
have been handed over at the last exit ramp
Ø
Nor will we need any official papers verifying
credentials, qualification, endorsements, or civil agreements
Ø
We will each be known as we are
Ø
Not only do we slip, slide, or slink in w/ nothing,
but all obligations are checked at the door of death
DEATH AS A WARM
SHOWER ++++++++++++++++++++
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My favorite image of death is simply stepping
out of the shower
Ø
We are clean, warmed, refreshed, and brand new
Ø
There is a new life awaiting my next step into
that giant warm towel of well-being, into life ever after
Ø
Clothed in light, there is no shame, only grace
Ø
We won’t need any of our stuff
CONCLUSION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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For many of us this has been a rough ride,
staring with the passage from the birth canal out of our mother’s womb
Ø
This needle’s eye is a welcome point of entry
Ø
Nothing but God
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