Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Mark 10, 32-45
The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem,
and Jesus went ahead of them.
They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid.
Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them
what was going to happen to him.
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man
will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes,
and they will condemn him to death
and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him,
spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death,
but after three days he will rise.”
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee,
came to Jesus and said to him,
“Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?”
They answered him,
“Grant that in your glory
we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.”
Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking.
Can you drink the chalice that I drink
or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”
They said to him, “We can.”
Jesus said to them, “The chalice 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 or at my left is not mine to give
but is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John.
Jesus summoned them and said to them,
“You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles
lord it over them,
and their great ones make their authority over them felt.
But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Power
1. They were afraid. When you follow something blindly out of ignorance, without understanding, fear is often inevitable. This fear arises from insecurity, but it’s mostly rooted in uncertainty. Uncertainty can lead to depression, and that depression can turn into a paralyzing fear. That’s why taking the time to learn, reflecting on your life, and exploring your own path can bring peace. That peace instills confidence, and with confidence, you’re able to make sound decisions as you move forward.
2. What is to come. Jesus tells them the truth; He doesn’t sugarcoat His message, instead, He speaks plainly so the disciples understand what’s ahead and what challenges they’re up against. In any conflict, the process involves: recognizing the adversary, not underestimating them, studying them, becoming aware, and finding the courage to take risks. Life inherently involves risk, but for that risk to be meaningful, you must accept reality—otherwise, you’re just living in illusion.
3. The brothers. For some, only “power” calms their fear or uncertainty. People often look for titles or social status to fill an internal emptiness or to cope with fear. It’s important to examine this desire for power within yourself. Early in my priesthood, I admit I was a self-centered narcissist and believed that being the Bishop’s secretary would bring me success. I thought a title would give me security but eventually realized it was just a disguise. Seeking recognition only fed my ego and led me further astray. It’s important to realize that a position doesn’t define who you are or make you more valuable as a person. It’s rewarding to see life as it truly is and live it fully. Let’s learn to live without needing titles—because if we seek out “positions” just to feel alive, life itself ends up becoming a “position” we must maintain, and that becomes a burden.
Never forget that something good is on the way!
God bless you and protect you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
