Gospel: Mark 10:35-45

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Reflection:

The Gospel

Today’s gospel is from Mark 10:35-45. Jesus then said to his disciples,, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus answered them, “The cup that I drink you will drink. With the baptism with which I am baptized, and so are you. But to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant. For the Son of Man came to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Important Message of the Gospel

The gospel from Mark 10:35-45 reminds us that we all have our desires for recognition and rewards. These are all things from the world which we can’t bring to heaven. We need to remind ourselves that Jesus died for our sins, He comes to us to serve. To think of the eternal kingdom with status and power is not at all accepted. Even the saints themselves serve the Lord through sacrifice and poverty.

What We Have to Do

As Christians, we have to understand the true meaning of service. Status and power are nothing in the kingdom of heaven. It is enough for us to follow Jesus through charity, penance, poverty and sacrifice. To live our lives in the service of God by helping others. To help the children grow in love and fear of the Lord. To help build a community that care for one another. We have to set aside status and powers for those are not the ways to God.

Deep Realization

As we internalize the gospel from Mark 10:35-45, we come to understand that we are all equal in this life. Whatever race and color we have, we are all created by God. Nonetheless, no one is above one another.

Saints with Feastday today

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
St. John the Short

– Clea | Helpline PH