A Call to Serve

Mark 10:35-45 - 21st Sunday after Pentecost, October 17, 2021 - Seminarian Will Negron

In the Gospel we see James and John requesting to be seated on the right and left of Jesus. These are the places of honor. In a king’s court, the monarch would be flanked by his two more powerful leaders, one on his right and one on his left.

I wonder if their intention was to be closer to Jesus and live as He lives. Jesus immediately asks if they can drink from his cup or be baptized with the same baptism He is baptized. This makes reference to Jesus’ passion. Would they be willing to accept the consequences of sitting by Jesus’ side?

How are you claiming your place by Jesus’ side? Are you demanding to be there, like John and James did, or are you serving the other? Are you willing to drink from Jesus’ cup and become the servant?

In the first reading, we see how Jesus was chosen to be the High Priest and an eternal high priest at that. Just like in the gospel when Jesus says that he is not the one that chooses who gets to be on the right and the left, Jesus was appointed by the one who says to him “You are my son, today I have begotten you”

You are my son…

You are a beloved child of God built to his image and likeness and since God is love we are expected to love.

Serve.

Claim your place alongside Jesus, drink from His cup and serve fervently.

Don’t just feel the love, BE the love…