The Convent and the Eye of the Needle

The role of riches and wealth in our society is a theme which comes from the texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today. As we tour through southern Italy, Campania and Apulia, we see evidence of the effect of the Monasticism in Western Medieval Europe as outlined in an essay by Jean Sorabella. From the first century many spiritual movements have sought to live in a manner which resonates with Jesus word and example and the practice of Church fathers beginning with the Apostles by addessing the relationship of wealth and encumberment in the journey to holiness. The Hebrew text from Sirach assures us that God is welcoming our return to Him. The rich man who petitions Jesus in the Gospel from Mark apparently finds that even the loving acceptance that Jesus offers is difficult to receive. Rev Richard Gabuzda invites us to reflect on what gets in the way of our receiving the look of love from Jesus. The decision to join with others and live in a monastry has since the time of Benedict at Monte Cassino in the 5th Century been a choice to develop our response to the invitation of Jesus. The tour of these places in Italy has revealed the art and architecture designed to make these inspiritual enviroments.The modern western mind sees the effect that wealth, privilege and power played in the daily lives of the brothers and sisters. The advice of Jesus to free ourselves from these attachments applies universally through time and space.