St. Paul's Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
MESSENGER
"Making friends while serving God"
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The Week of October 5-11, 2021 |
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“Easier for a Camel to Go Through the Eye of a Needle”
One of the most well-known Scripture passages about wealth is also one of the most confusing. Why does Jesus compare the wealthy with camels, and is He really saying that the rich won’t make it into heaven?
The scene takes place in Judea, where Jesus has just finished an illustration about welcoming children into His Kingdom. A rich young man comes up to Jesus and asks Him how to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells the young man to keep God’s commandments, which the man quickly claims to have kept. “What do I still lack?” he asks. (Matthew 19:20)
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” -Matthew 19:21-24
What’s immediately obvious is that camels are far too large to fit through the eyes of needles. It’s ridiculous to even suggest it. So what is the meaning of that verse? Was Jesus really saying that rich people can’t enter the kingdom of God? Let’s look more closely at the passage to see what we can learn.
Camels, Needles, and the Rich
If Jesus was talking about an actual camel and an actual needle, then the rich are in big trouble. Commentaries suggest that He may have been saying something different. The Aramaic word for “rope,” kamilon, was almost identical to the Greek word for “camel,” kamelon, which appears in the verse. Some scholars say that the word was misspelled, and so Jesus may have been making an analogy to threading a thick rope through the eye of a needle, not a large animal. In other words, He may have been referring to something extremely difficult, but not impossible.
Other commentators suggest that, at that time, there was a type of small gate called a needle. Still, others insist that Jesus’ statement was as absurd as it sounds, actually referring to our same notions of camels and needles.
There are several potential explanations for what camels and needles could have meant in Biblical times. However, all of them point to the same lesson: Jesus said that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for a rich person to enter His Kingdom.
In fact, when the disciples then speculate that no one can be saved, Jesus replies, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Jesus himself settles the question: He was intentionally referring to something impossible.
We Are Camels
If you’re reading this article and thinking of the rich as billionaires who lead Fortune 500 companies, you may need to reset your idea of wealth. Worldwide statistics show that, in fact, you are probably one of the world’s wealthiest people. According to a paper from the World Bank in 2012, if you make more than $50,000 annually, you are in the global 1 percent.
Understanding ourselves as wealthy changes our mindset. Rather than seeing Jesus’ teaching about wealth as a lesson for others, we must examine ourselves.
Can You Enter Through the Eye of a Needle?
Let’s not forget that Jesus did give the rich young man an option. It was the man’s choice not to sell his possessions and give to the poor.
Notably, Jesus began his instruction with, “If you want to be perfect…” From the arc of Scripture, as believers, we understand that we can never be perfect. In fact, Jesus came because we can never earn our way into heaven.
Still, Jesus was giving the man a test of his willingness to follow God. The man did not obey.
Jesus saw that the young man’s heart was not completely devoted to God. He was keeping all the rules, but his response to Jesus’ command revealed that he hadn’t taken the action of following Jesus. If Jesus asked the same of you, would you obey?
The Grip of Money
Wealth has a curious effect on the human heart. Far from being neutral about the way we use our money, God devotes many words of Scripture to help us develop a proper heart posture toward it. In fact, the Bible mentions money, wealth and possessions over 2,000 times! In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus points out that money and God are rivaling masters. If you love money, you will despise God. He says, “You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)
Is money bad? Scripture never says so, although it does say that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). We don’t see prohibitions about earning, using, or saving money. Proverbs 21:20 tells us that “the wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” Wealth is a ferocious master, but it can be an excellent servant.
On the other hand, we cannot ignore that in Scripture, being part of the Kingdom of Heaven is linked to financial generosity, especially for those who are rich. When the wealthy tax collector Zacchaeus followed Jesus, he pledged to give half of his possessions to the poor (Luke 19:8). In Jesus’ parable of the unnamed rich man and the beggar Lazarus, the rich man who did not show generosity to Lazarus found himself in eternal torment (Luke 16:19-31). Zacchaeus’ treasure was in heaven, and so he was generous with his treasure on earth. The rich man’s treasure was on earth, and he was left without an inheritance in heaven.
Rethinking Our Wealth: 4 Steps
So if we are rich, and if Jesus is warning of the dangers of riches, what can we take away from this passage?
First, check your dependency. Are your thoughts focused on God, or on money and possessions?
Try this exercise: Think of something you are hoping to purchase soon. Do you believe that purchase will bring you happiness? Can you be content in Christ, even if you don’t buy it?
Second, we have much to learn from those in poverty. If wealth obscures our view of God, poverty can bring sharp clarity. Seek out opportunities to spend time with people who have experienced daily dependence on God’s provision. Child sponsorship is a great place to form this type of relationship with a family living in poverty while practicing Jesus’ instruction to be openhanded with those in need.
Third, use your wealth for good. It’s a simple concept that pays powerful dividends for the posture of our hearts. Jesus told the rich young man to give his wealth to the poor, not to throw it in the Jordan River. He is asking us to come to Him with the perspective that all we have belongs to Him. Whatever He asks us to do with what we have, our answer is to be, “Yes, Lord!”
Finally, thank God for making a way so that even the wealthy can approach His throne! “With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Used in the right way, wealth is a blessing that we can steward God’s finances to bless the kingdom at large.
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To be redirected to the Lectionary Page and get a digital copy of the readings
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Job 23:1-9, 16-17; Psalm 22:1-15;
Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31
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The Sunday Sermon
Mark 10:2-16
Divorce & Remarriage
There are passages in Scripture that most preachers would not like to have to address homiletically. For example, there is a section in Ezekiel, chapter 16, where God refers to Jerusalem as an unfaithful woman. And God vows to strip her naked and to have her former lovers stone her and cut her to pieces. Many of my clergy friends have suggested that so violent a passage should be cut out of the Bible. But the problem is that the Bible is what it is, and we have to accept every book, warts and all.
Regarding this morning’s gospel, for many of us 21st century Christians, there are portions of it that we would love to ignore. We like the verses about Jesus welcoming the children. But the words spoken by Jesus in verses 2 through 12, they make us squirm.
In Mark 10: 2-12, we hear the Pharisees approach Jesus to test him. They ask if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife. Jesus asks them what does Moses command. And the Pharisees reply that a man can divorce his wife. Jesus then responds by saying that God created man and woman to be one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together let no one put asunder. Jesus concluded this teaching by declaring that if a man or woman divorces and then remarries, he or she is guilty of adultery. Case closed. Did you hear that? If you divorce someone and then remarry, you are guilty of adultery. Sixteen years ago I married a divorced woman. And I suspect there are people in this congregation who have known other people who have done the same thing.
This is a tough teaching. But what can we do with it? It is part of Scripture; consequently we can’t throw it out. We can’t simply press the delete key. While it is true we can’t throw out any part of Scripture, it is also true that some passages provide better guidance than others. Some illuminating passages shed light on the darker passages. With that principle in mind, let us consider Mark 10 once more. Given what we have seen of Jesus’ behavior elsewhere in Scripture, throughout the gospel stories, should we assume, for example, that Jesus wants a wife to stay with her husband if she is being continually beaten by him, or if she is being abused in any other ways? It seems unlikely that Jesus, this same Jesus who is quick to forgive and show mercy and compassion, would be rigid and ruthless when it comes to divorce. It is unlikely that Jesus, who would not hesitate to break Jewish law and work on the Sabbath in order to help a person in need, would proclaim that divorcing and remarrying is always adulterous. Truly, it is unlikely that Jesus, who welcomes children into his arms, would shut out the person who is mired in a destructive marriage.
Most biblical scholars, when studying Mark 10: 2-12, suggest that Jesus was exaggerating. He was engaging in a kind of hyperbole; a hyperbole is defined as the representation of something that goes beyond the facts. He was putting forth a strong statement about marriage in order to make the point that he strongly believed in the importance, the seriousness of marriage. I think Jesus would say that divorce is not an option. And we should take the same position. But there are times when two people in a marriage are so miserable, so lost in hatred and cruelty, so mired in sorrow and dysfunction, that the two are better off divorcing. It is hard for me to believe that Jesus wouldn’t open his arms to individuals who have been in marriages so destructive that there is nothing emotionally left of them.
Let me make, what I think is another point. In this day and age many people have become too casual about divorce. If it is determined by a husband that he doesn’t like the fact that his spouse doesn’t screw the cap back on the toothpaste, that isn’t grounds for him to divorce her. But, the recent statistics indicate that almost 50 percent of marriages in the United States are ending in divorce. Too many people are not willing to seek counseling when there is trouble in their marriages. Too many people are embarrassed to talk to their priest, minister or rabbi when they no longer wish to adhere to their marital vows. That has got to change. We have to take matrimony seriously. It is a sacrament.
This is my last Sunday in this pulpit and at that altar. In England there was, and it still may be, a custom that the bishop of a diocese would take the name of that diocese as his last name. In other words, Justin Welby, the current Archbishop of Canterbury at his consecration became Justin Canterbury. You see, there is a marriage between bishop and diocese. During my time with you I have felt a marriage between all of you and me. I have felt myself being nourished by you, and I trust I have offered some nourishment to you. Beginning next Sunday we will part, but in a strange way, no, in a holy way the marriage will continue. Because I take not just memories, but also all the love, and all the spiritual gifts that you have given me. And I trust all of you have accepted the love, and the teachings that I have humbly offered to you. My hope is that we will always be in each other’s hearts because a part of me will always be Allan St. Paul and because “Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder.”
--Fr. C. Allan Ford
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM SEPTEMBER 2021’S VESTRY MEETING
A Letter of Agreement with Rev. Mary is in the works.
The new Website is being reviewed for content.
Furnace & Fence Replacement: Both projects are awaiting fabrication/materials to proceed. This is due to COVID. The plumbing in the Sacresty has been repaired.
Office Lobby: is in disarray. The plan is to clean it out at this month’s Building & Grounds meeting that will take place on Saturday, Oct. 2nd
--Maria Bell
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THANK YOU FR. FORD
FROM THE ST. PAUL'S CHURCH FAMILY
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The St. Paul's Church thanks Fr. Allan for caring for us during this transition. |
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We had a wonderful celebration honoring Fr. Tyler and Molly's 14 years of service to our Church and community. The congregation had a chance to personally thank them. We were also thrilled to have the Bishop Andrew Dietsche and Mrs. Dietshe, Fr. Ford, Mother Gloria and Ananda, The Rev. Deacon Julett Butler, and our new Reverend Mary Barber join us in the celebration. All had a great time. We pray that God continues to strengthen Fr. Tyler and Molly in the path He has chosen for them.
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The following is a card from Fr. Tyler and Molly to the St. Paul's Church family:
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THE REV. DR. MARY E. BARBER'S FIRST SERVICE AT ST. PAUL'S |
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Our mask policy has changed due to new safety concerns that have developed. We ask that all people please wear masks while in church except when seated. If you are singing, please put on your mask. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.
--Shawn Prater-Lee
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PLEASE HELP OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED
Loving your neighbor as yourself. We are all aware of the needs around us: fires, floods and displacement. With this in mind I am asking that you to consider small donation to the Episcopal Relief and Development fund to help the neighbors in the US, Haiti and the Afghan families. Please consider creating a Love jar in your home and dropping in 50 cents or $1 each day. At the end of October we will receive your donations with a blessing and send it off from the St. Paul’s family.
--The Rev. Dcn. Julett Butler
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ST. PAUL'S SMALL BLESSINGS THRIFT SHOP & FOOD PANTRY: PLEASE HELP US TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY SAFELY
DONATIONS TO THE THRIFT SHOP MUST BE IN CLEAR PLASTIC BAGS OR CONTAINERS OR ON HANGERS WHEN YOU BRING THEM IN. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE DONATIONS ON THE PORCH, BUT BRING THEM IN DURING THRIFT SHOP HOURS (TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS 10AM – 2PM).
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We thank everyone who has helped our missions stay open during these trying times. We kindly ask you all to help us to continue to serve our community with the safety it needs and deserves: Any food you donate should be unopened and within the sell by date. Shop items need to be clean and seasonal. We can only accept donations during shop hours. Leaving them at any other times or in the hallway can violate fire safety codes. Please DO NOT use black/opaque garbage bags to bring in your donations as the staff is unable to process the contents of it. Thank you again for your support.
--Jeanne Henderson
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IN-PERSON SUNDAY SERVICES
As more and more people are getting vaccinated against COVID 19 the Bishop has eased some of the restrictions that have affected our worship. Given this the Vestry has decided that all services (10:00am), except for the second Sunday of the month, will be in person and will include singing. We also hope to be able to broadcast the in person service live on our YouTube channel.
The second Sunday of the month will be on Zoom (see below for Zoom link). This allows us to have the coffee hour discussions and to retain those parishioners who are able to only be with us remotely.
We hope to see you on Zoom on Sunday and in person whenever you can make it in.
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ZOOM CHURCH LINK FOR ALL SERVICES
All services except for the second Sunday (on Zoom) of the month, will be in person at 10:00am and will include singing.
Our Zoom connections remain the same and are
Meeting ID: 823 3911 5280
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,82339115280# US (New York)
+13017158592,,82339115280# US (Germantown)
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
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ST. PAUL'S CHURCH YOUTUBE CHANNEL
We now have a YouTube channel.
To get there PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW:
or search on YouTube for St. Paul's Poughkeepsie.
We hope to put copies of all of our online services there.
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A NOTE FROM THE TREASURY TEAM
The total deposits are reported on a monthly basis. Please watch for it at the end of this month.
A reminder - Please remember to either mail in your pledge or drop it off through the mail slot any day during the week. The correct address is: 161 Mansion St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
ST. PAUL’S THANKS YOU!!!
--Bobbie Gordon
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VICTORY: First Farmworker Union in New York State
For Immediate Release: October 6, 2021
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For more than 20 years, RMM shepherded the Justice for Farmworkers Campaign with the goal that one day farmworkers would be able to bargain collectively. With the passage of the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act in 2019, that goal became a right. And now, with today’s historic win for the farmworkers at Pindar Vineyards, that right has become a reality.
“This decision marks a significant step in the journey to achieve a seat at the table for our sisters and brothers,” Executive Director the Rev. Richard Witt said. “Decades ago, RMM was asked by farmworkers to stand alongside them in their struggle to change the laws which denied them dignity. Today, we are proud to continue working with RWDSU 338 as they represent workers in negotiating fair and decent contracts. New York’s labor movement has done incredible work in the midst of very challenging circumstances. True justice for farmworkers is closer than ever.”
Contact:
Grayson Morley
Communications Coordinator
Rural & Migrant Ministry, Inc.
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The Global Mission Commission
of the Episcopal Diocese of New York presents the
5th Global Mission Fair
Re-centering Global Mission in God’s Reconciliation
(2 Corinthians 2:16-20)
Saturday, October 16
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
In-person at
The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street
New York, New York 10025
(Online Participation offered at no charge – details to be sent under separate cover)
Keynote Speakers
The Rt. Rev. Dickson Chilongani
Bishop of the Diocese of Central Tanganyika in Tanzania
In Conversation
The Rev. Paul Anthony Daniels
Assisting Clergy at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
with
The Rev. Ranjit K. Mathews
Canon for Mission Advocacy, Racial Justice, and Reconciliation
The Episcopal Church in Connecticut
Presentations
Welcome by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Andrew ML Dietsche
Bishop of New York
Overview of the Diocese's Global Mission Initiatives
The Rt. Rev. Mary D. Glasspool, Bishop Assistant, Episcopal Diocese of New York
2020 Recipients of Sustainable Development Goal Grants
Young Adult Service Corps
Musical Offerings
Enjoy voices of the worldwide Anglican Communion including
a performance by the renowned Youth Choir Young at Arts
and a presentation of international music by the Choir of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Noonday Prayer
Led by the Rev. Anne Marie Witchger
and Dr. Sandra Montes, Dean of Chapel, Union Theological Seminary
Breakfast and Lunch Table Fellowship
with catering by Harlem’s Herb-n-Peach
Workshop Discussion Groups
Choose from Global Mission focused organizations, including
Episcopal Relief & Development, Global Episcopal Mission Network
and Sustainable Development Goal Grant Applications
Announcements
2021 Sustainable Development Goals Grant Partners
Display Booths
Current Mission Projects and other related organizations
In-person Admission: $20 when registered by October 1 ($30 thereafter)
Lunch & Refreshments included
(Registration on the day begins at 8:00 a.m.)
Online Participation offered at no charge – details to be sent under separate cover
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_1 Susan Saavedra
_5 Charles Benjamin
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_8 Norma Williams
17 Alexis Plain Rose
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Please keep those on our parish prayer list in your minds and in your prayers, especially at this time of separation and isolation.
Intercessions
OCTOBER 2021
Our prayers are asked for:
Donna, Rose Marie; Owen; Charlie; Mary Ann, Steven, Jim, Janett, Charlie; Alison, Paulie, Grandpa Prater; Lillian, Sasha, Melius family, Plain family, Joe, Pat, Matthew, Those known only to God; Gary, Dawn, Eckwall-Lahey families; Paul, Andrew & family, Ron, Dave & Liz, Burton family; Tish; Tommy; Carol; Chris; Sandra; George, Norm; Janett; Kay, Katherine, Renate; Frank Burnett, Food Pantry Volunteers, victims of Human/Sex Trafficking
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Please "Like" our page to stay up to date with all services and events.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Poughkeepsie
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'In Service to God & You' |
Our food pantry volunteers are in active service at St. Paul's these days. We give thanks to them and thanks to God for their willingness to help us by helping others. |
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THIS WEEK'S CALENDAR
October 5 - 11, 2021
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YOUR NEWS BELONGS IN ST. PAUL'S MESSENGER
Help us get the word out by submitting news of parish activities. Send submittals to stpaulpk@verizon.net or call 845 452 8440
Give us a call today!
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church 161 Mansion Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
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