May 30, 2018

Gospel: Mk 10:32-45
They were on the road going up to Jerusalem and Jesus was walking ahead. The Twelve were anxious, and those who followed were afraid. Once more Jesus took the Twelve aside to tell them what was to happen to him. “You see, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be given over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the foreigners, who will make fun of him, spit on him, scourge him, and kill him; but three days later he will rise.” James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Master, we want you to grant us what we are going to ask of you.” And he said, “What do you want me to do for you?” They answered, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, when you come in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized in the way I am baptized?” They answered, “We can.” And Jesus told them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink; and you will be baptized in the way that I am baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant. It has been prepared for others.” On hearing this, the other ten were angry with James and John. Jesus then called them to him and said, “As you know, the so-called rulers of the nations behave like tyrants, and those in authority oppress the people. But it shall not be so among you; whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you shall make himself slave of all. Think of the Son of Man, who has not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life to redeem many.”

Reflections
You don’t know what you are asking In requesting to be seated at Jesus’ left and right, James and John did not have in mind Jesus’ exhalation in heaven, but very likely Jesus’ ascent to power as the Messiah, the spiritual and political leader of Israel. The disciples were not thinking of Jesus’ resurrection and redemption from sin and death but liberation from Roman captivity. We present to the Lord our petitions and needs. Often the Lord responds not according to our expectations, but according to his mysterious will and plans, which, from hindsight we discover, are far more beautiful than our initial requests.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018