I heard the "gate" explanation of the "eye of the needle" reference. It is an eye and mind opener, and one of my favorites to tell. The initial reaction is: "Phew, I guess there’s hope for me after all!"

We need to take it one step further. The camel has to be stripped of all its belongings to enter. So must we strip ourselves of our attachment to worldly goods and comforts. We must be willing to give any and all up for the Lord and for our fellow man. Perhaps it will not be asked of all of us, yet I feel that in some way it is an ideal we should all hold dear to our hearts.