Stick the needle in the camel’s eye by Reuben Coulter

“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: 24 – 25

A bizarre metaphor. Thinking of that wealthy friend of yours, you might nod your head in agreement with Jesus. But the reality is that if you’re privileged enough to read VOX magazine (see www.globalrichlist.com) then you are probably in the wealthiest 10% of the world’s population. The other 90% of people often struggle to meet their daily necessities.

You may not think it, but you are rich.

The disciples were astonished at Jesus’ radical statement. Yet as Irish Christians it is one that we seem to pay little or no attention to.

Ireland is in the midst of an economic collapse. It is easy to point the finger at those who caused it. The Celtic Tiger is dead and we are all in mourning, fearful of what tomorrow may bring.

On a Sunday afternoon Dundrum Shopping Centre in Dublin is thronged with people. The shopping centre has become a modern-day temple. Of course, now we have a bit less money to spend we wander the shops aimlessly gazing at items we wish we could buy.

But as Christians in Ireland we need to question ourselves. Are we complicit? Were our attitudes and behaviour during the time of prosperity any different from those of our neighbours? What is our response to the recession?

So what is a godly attitude towards money? Should we renounce all earthly goods and join a monastic order? Should we name and claim the earthly treasures which are rightfully ours?

As we enter a new year and a new era of economic uncertainty let us not be fearful or begrudging in our finances. Let us begin to discuss our relationship towards money and confess where we have gone wrong.

Let our churches be known as places of community and hope and let our lives be marked with generosity towards others. Don’t let money possess you but walk hand in hand with your Master. Stick the needle in the camel’s eye!

Reuben Coulter is Chief Executive of Tearfund Ireland, a Christian relief and development organization. You can give to the spiritual and material transformation of poor communities around the world at www.tearfund.ie/donate

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