Wednesday, 29 May 2024. Readings: 1 Peter 1:18-25, Ps. 147:12-15,19-20, Mark 10:32-45
“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:43-44)
What would you take if asked to choose between being a king controlling a vast empire or an unknown servant earning the minimum wage? Having been made in the image and likeness of the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Alpha and Omega, it is only fair to say that it is our human nature to desire greatness. Like James and John, we do not mind drinking from any chalice or receiving a special baptism to get seats at the right and left of Jesus in heaven. However, Jesus teaches us today to take the second option – to become the unknown servant. This brings us to today’s lessons:
1. All Flesh is Grass: In today’s First Reading, St. Peter quotes from the book of Isaiah to emphasise the nothingness of human nature: “All flesh is grass and its glory like wildflowers. The grass withers, the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” (1st Peter 1:24, Isaiah 40:6). This was the same point Jesus was driving at when he said: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). Do not envy anyone because of the position they occupy because, in the end, all flesh is grass. The king and the servant have the same fate. On the other hand, do not base your worth on your position; you don’t have to lord it over anybody to feel respected.
2. The Way To The Top is the Bottom: A few days ago, we read that Jesus was talking with his disciples about how he would be killed and rise on the third day. When they got home, Jesus asked his disciples what they were discussing on the way. They were too ashamed to tell Him because they had discussed who was the greatest with one another. Jesus took a little child and set him in their midst, saying: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35). Desiring to win the argument about who was the greatest, James and John decided to “up” their game by asking: “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” This request made the other disciples indignant with James and John. Jesus finally settled the argument by saying: “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:43-44). If you aspire to greatness, then learn to be a servant. If you are not first a servant, you would become intoxicated by power and end up using it to destroy rather than build.
3. Heaven is Not Cheap: When James and John asked for these special seats, Jesus tried to discourage them by asking: “Are you able to drink the chalice that I drink, or to be baptised with the baptism with which I am baptised?” Without asking Him to explain the meaning of the chalice or the baptism, James and John said: “We are able.” As the saying goes, talk is cheap, but actions speak louder than words. Like James and John, how often have I said “Yes, I will” to God only to do the opposite? What does Jesus mean by “the chalice He is to drink” and “the baptism He is to be baptised with”? This statement was Jesus’ attempt to draw the disciples’ attention to what He said earlier (which they were not listening to): “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise.” (Mark 10:33-34). Heaven is not cheap. As James says: “Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials.” (James 1:2)
4. No More Pretence: In today’s First Reading, St. Peter tells us: “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart.” (1 Peter 1:22). Much of what we do in the name of love is not love but simply pretence. St. Paul reiterates St. Peter’s instruction in his letter to the Romans: “Let love be genuine…” (Romans 12:9). If we love only with our lips and not with our hearts, we are deceiving ourselves.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the grace of true humility. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
As we reflect on the lessons of humility and service, let us remember to choose happiness amidst challenges. Let us live with a positive mindset, trusting in God’s plan. May God's abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 8 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Peter 1:18-25, Ps. 147:12-15,19-20, Mark 10:32-45).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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