😂 Wait, Did Jesus Just Make a Camel Joke?

Fr. Simon starts with this hilarious-but-important line from the Gospel:

"It's easier to get a camel through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven."

He thinks this is actually supposed to be funny! Not just "haha" funny, but deeply funny. There’s this idea floating around (starting from St. Cyril of Alexandria) that maybe Jesus wasn’t talking about an animal camel 🐪 but a giant ship’s rope 🪢 (Greek wordplay alert!). Either way, imagine someone trying to shove either of those through a tiny sewing needle. That's ridiculous, and that’s the point.

🛑 But Don’t Buy That “Eye of the Needle” Gate Story

You might’ve heard this Christian myth about a teeny tiny gate in Jerusalem called “The Eye of the Needle” that camels had to crawl through. Fr. Simon calls that nonsense. 😆
That gate came way later in history, and Father explains they probably named it because of Jesus' quote... not the other way around. So yes, Jesus meant a literal needle. And yes, He meant it's impossible to squeeze a rich man into heaven if he’s clinging to his cash like Gollum with the Ring. 

What’s the Real Problem with Riches?

Owning stuff? ✅ Fine.
Being owned by your stuff? ❌ Big problem.

Fr. Simon says we don’t actually own anything. Everything we have is on loan from God. We’re just stewards, not collectors. So, if your money, house, car, or 14th pair of Jordans are the center of your life... Jesus is inviting you to examine your heart.

Jesus’ Curveball: “Why Do You Call Me Good?”

The rich young man calls Jesus “Good Teacher,” and Jesus says:

"Why do you call me good? Only God is good."

Now, Jesus is not denying He’s God. Fr. Simon explains: Jesus is testing this man.
This rich man thinks that goodness is something you can possess, like a new Rolex or a 401(k). But no... only God is Good. Everything else is only good for something. If your money isn’t blessing your family, the poor, your parish, or a ministry like Relevant Radio... then it’s just worthless. 

Your Cash Isn’t Evil, But It’s Not Your God

Fr. Simon reminds you:
Your stuff should serve others, not own you.

Homework from Fr. Simon (and the Holy Spirit):

Ask yourself:

- “Do I own my things, or do my things own me?”

- “What is my money good for?”

- “Is Jesus my ultimate treasure?”

If the answers hurt a little... maybe that's good. That’s growth. 🙏

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

😂 Wait, Did Jesus Just Make a Camel Joke?
Fr. Simon starts with this hilarious-but-important line from the Gospel:
<blockquote data-start="441" data-end="541">
"It's easier to get a camel through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven."
</blockquote>
He thinks this is actually supposed to be funny! Not just "haha" funny, but deeply funny. There&rsquo;s this idea floating around (starting from St. Cyril of Alexandria) that maybe Jesus wasn&rsquo;t talking about an animal camel 🐪 but a giant ship&rsquo;s rope 🪢 (Greek wordplay alert!). Either way, imagine someone trying to shove&nbsp;either of those through a tiny sewing needle. That's ridiculous, and that&rsquo;s the point.
<hr data-start="901" data-end="904">
🛑 But Don&rsquo;t Buy That &ldquo;Eye of the Needle&rdquo; Gate Story
You might&rsquo;ve heard this Christian myth about a teeny tiny gate in Jerusalem called &ldquo;The Eye of the Needle&rdquo; that camels had to crawl through. Fr. Simon calls that nonsense. 😆 That gate came way later in history, and Father explains they probably named it&nbsp;because of Jesus' quote... not the other way around. So yes, Jesus&nbsp;meant a literal needle. And yes, He meant it's impossible to squeeze a rich man into heaven if he&rsquo;s clinging to his cash like Gollum with the Ring.&nbsp;
<hr data-start="1457" data-end="1460">
What&rsquo;s the Real Problem with Riches?
Owning stuff? ✅ Fine. Being owned by your stuff? ❌ Big problem.
Fr. Simon says we don&rsquo;t actually own anything. Everything we have is on loan from God. We&rsquo;re just stewards, not collectors. So, if your money, house, car, or 14th pair of Jordans are the center of your life... Jesus is inviting you to examine your heart.
<hr data-start="1869" data-end="1872">
Jesus&rsquo; Curveball: &ldquo;Why Do You Call Me Good?&rdquo;
The rich young man calls Jesus &ldquo;Good Teacher,&rdquo; and Jesus says:
<blockquote data-start="2028" data-end="2076">
"Why do you call me good? Only God is good."
</blockquote>
Now, Jesus is not denying He&rsquo;s God. Fr. Simon explains: Jesus is testing this man. This rich man thinks that goodness is something you can possess, like a new Rolex or a 401(k). But no... only&nbsp;God is Good. Everything else is only good&nbsp;for something. If your money isn&rsquo;t blessing your family, the poor, your parish, or a ministry like <a href="https://secure.relevantradio.com/site/Donation2?df_id=1600&amp;mfc_pref=T&amp;1600.donation=form1">Relevant Radio</a>... then it&rsquo;s just worthless.&nbsp;
<hr data-start="2609" data-end="2612">
Your Cash Isn&rsquo;t Evil, But It&rsquo;s Not Your God
Fr. Simon reminds you: Your stuff should serve others, not own you.
<hr data-start="2891" data-end="2894">
Homework from Fr. Simon (and the Holy Spirit):
Ask yourself:
- &ldquo;Do I own my things, or do my things own me?&rdquo;
- &ldquo;What is my money good for?&rdquo;
- &ldquo;Is Jesus my ultimate treasure?&rdquo;
If the answers hurt a little... maybe that's good. That&rsquo;s growth. 🙏
<hr>
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.