Mt 20:17-28
17As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve [disciples] aside by themselves...
20Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. 21He
said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these
two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in
your kingdom.” 22Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what
you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” They
said to him, “We can.”
23He replied, “My cup you will indeed drink, but to sit
at my right and at my left [, this] is not mine to give but is for
those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. 25But
Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles
lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them
felt. 26But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; 27whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. 28Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Reflection:
THE SON OF MAN DID NOT COME TO BE SERVED.
Discipleship is not about power or authority. To be a follower of Jesus
is to serve, in imitation of Jesus who comes not to be served but to
serve and to give his life for the salvation of the world.
The mother of James and John considers
discipleship or attachment to Jesus as a source of prestige and
popularity. There is nothing wrong with aspiring to be first. But Jesus
says that greatness lies not in having power or authority but in
carrying out one’s tasks and responsibilities in a spirit of service
and selfless love.
We are asked to serve. We cannot be
demanding and overbearing. We cannot insist on our rights and
privileges. Let us serve with joy, with dedication, and with enthusiasm.
How do I serve? With love, joy, and eagerness?
Or am I half-hearted, expecting only the reward?
Or am I half-hearted, expecting only the reward?
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