Through the eye of a needle

Most of us reading this are, by most measures, very wealthy. Recently I came across a passage in a popular early Christian writing of the first four centuries, the Shepherd written by Hermas, brother of Pius, bishop of Rome. It's from the first half of the second century. Hermas was a wealthy man in Rome and was concerned about how his wealth and business dealings could divert his heart from God. In a vision, an apparition appearing like a shepherd spoke to him and said, "You know that you slaves of God are living in a foreign land. For your own city is a long way from this one. If, then, you know your own city, where you are about to live, why are you preparing fields, expensive furnishings, buildings, and pointless rooms for yourselves here?

. . . You foolish, double-minded, and miserable person! Don't you understand that all these things belong to another and are under someone else's control?

. . . So take care. Since you are dwelling in a foreign land, fix nothing up for yourself except what is absolutely necessary . . .

Instead of fields, then, purchase souls that have been afflicted, insofar as you can, and take care of widows and orphans and don't neglect them; spend your wealth and all your furnishings for such fields and houses as you have received from God.

For this is why the Master made you rich, that you may carry out these ministries for him. It is much better to purchase the fields, goods, and houses you will find in your own city . . ."