Yesterday’s Gospel ended with the words: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted”. And today, the mother of two of Jesus’ Apostles, James and John, the sons of Zebedee comes seeking an exalted position for her sons in Jesus’ kingdom.
It's understandable, isn't it? As a mother, she naturally desires the best for her children, envisioning a future of greatness and honor. And she has come to believe that Jesus was destined to be king. Yet, she didn’t quite grasp that Jesus was a different sort of king.
Remember, at the time, many Jews expected the Messiah to establish an earthly kingdom where he would reign as a powerful political leader, similar to the kings of Israel's past. James and John seemed pretty ready to grasp at this worldly greatness, perhaps dreaming of endless wealth, celebrity recognition, political power, and command of military might.
James and John, perhaps influenced by this expectation, were eager to seize this worldly greatness, dreaming of wealth, fame, and influence. But Jesus challenges this notion of greatness. He redefines it entirely. In his kingdom, greatness isn't about status or power; it's about service, sacrifice, and love. True greatness, he teaches, comes from giving oneself wholly to the service of others.
While some are called to positions of power, the vast majority of us are called to live out our lives in ordinary circumstances, yet infused with extraordinary love. Whether we're in leadership roles or carrying out everyday tasks, our mission remains the same: to love greatly, to serve abundantly, and to live selflessly.
The path to Christian greatness, Jesus tells us, is the path of the cross—the path of self-sacrifice and humility. We see this exemplified in the lives of the saints, who abandoned their own ambitions to serve God and others wholeheartedly. Their greatness lay not in worldly achievements, but in their willingness to die to self and live for others.
As we journey through this Lenten season, let us intensify our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Let us examine our hearts and root out any traces of selfishness or entitlement. Instead, may we be filled with the spirit of charity and self-sacrifice, following the example of Christ who gave everything for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
- - - -
That the season of Lent may bring the most hardened hearts to repentance and bring to all people purification of sin and selfishness.
For those preparing for baptism and the Easter sacraments, that they may continue to conform themselves to Christ through fervent prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
That we may generously respond to all those in need: the sick, the suffering, the homeless, the imprisoned, and victims of violence.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Grant, we pray, O Lord, that your people may turn to you with all their heart, so that whatever they dare to ask in fitting prayer they may receive by your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.
No comments:
Post a Comment