October 17, 2021
29th Sunday Ordinary B
We would think Jesus would be exasperated. He is explaining to “the 12†that the Messiah must suffer and die and give his life in ransom for others like the suffering servant in Isaiah. James and John come to him asking a favor. Jesus says: “What do you wish me to do for you?†They request: “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.†They totally miss the lesson that Jesus is giving.
The response of Jesus is that that of a patient teacher. The reply of Jesus is less a reprimand and more the renewal of the invitation that Jesus first extends to James and John at the Sea of Galilee when they leave their father Zebedee, his fishing boat, and the hired help, and follow Jesus. Jesus calls them to a task wherein they could win something for themselves only by giving their all to him and to others. Jesus is aware of their ambition, competitiveness, and zeal. Jesus nicknames them: “Sons of thunder!†In the Gospel according to St. Mark, Jesus chooses Simon Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James and John to be his first associates. Peter, James, and John form the inner circle around Jesus. We can imagine how James and John, the “Sons of thunder,†could aspire to enjoy a place of honor when Jesus comes to “glory.â€
The response of Jesus is not harsh. He knows the human heart. Consider the verse from the Letter to the Hebrews about Jesus: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.†Jesus is open to hearing their request -- allowing James and John to verbalize it and put it into their own words. But then Jesus explains that they do not understand what they are asking for. Can you drink of the cup that I will drink? Can you be baptized with the baptism I am baptized? Bravely, they say: “We can.†Jesus foresees that they will drink of his cup of suffering and be baptized in his baptism, but Jesus confesses that places of honor are not his to bestow.
The other 10 become indignant when they learn of James and John trying to be #1 and #2. Jesus gives them all a lesson. “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes be first among you will be the slave of all.†It is a lesson both in honesty and humility. Jesus sees world politics realistically and soberly, the arrogance of the powerful. “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority felt. But it shall not be so among you.†Jesus is saying to James and John, to “the 12†and to us, when we follow him, we are to have an attitude that does not seek its own benefit but that of others.
Jesus is not condemning all forms of human government. Power is not denounced as something evil in itself. People are drawn to Jesus because he exhibits a different type of power or authority. When King George VI asks Winston Churchill to become Prime Minister during the darkest hour of WWII, Winston noted in his diary: “Coveting power for power’s sake was a “base†pursuit. But power in a national crisis, when a man believes he knows what orders should be given, is a blessing.†(The Splendid and Vile by Erick Larson)
Today, at Mass, we are invited to examine our own motivation, abilities and ambition in light of the teachings of Jesus Christ. Are we willing to give our lives in ransom for many?
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28th Sunday Ordinary Time B
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30th Sunday Ordinary B
