In today’s Gospel proclamation, the events that unfold read similar to what take place in today’s society, after all it seems humankind has not evolved. Here we find our Lord Jesus explaining to the disciples of his impending death and resurrection but little or nothing registers. Relating to the sons of Zebedee does not the mother do what any parent would do, secure the future of the children. But the question is where, in which order? In which kingdom? Even the disciples were yet to understand and absorb most things on the human level jostling for power and position to rule in this world, to be secure, to be seen high and mighty among mere mortals. It is easy to say how pathetic of them, but brothers and sisters let us not fool ourselves and say we are not like since often we even pay homage to God so we solve our problems and get what we want.

Yet,in the midst of this we get a experience of our Lord’s compassion. It is noteworthy that our Lord Jesus does not reject the mother’s plea or request but accepts it and responds in his perspective, in the eternal perspective. Let us not forgot that our God is also a parent, a loving Father who cares deeply about our future, a future that is invested in an eternal kingdom. But at times we will have to forget self and indeed drink from the cup of suffering. If we want to have a share in the joy of Christ, we will also have to share in his suffering there is no way around it. It is a privilege. “But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed”. (1 Peter 4:13)

If God could lower himself to our level who are we to stick our noses up in the air? It happens when we lose our eternal perspective. Our Lord Jesus knew where he came from and where he was going, back to the Father after his earthly mission was completed. It is when we lose our eternal perspective and are insecure that we want to dominate, control and jostle for power and position.
“But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant” (Mt 20:26) The question is “What is it you want ?”

Prayer: Abba Father, help me to keep my eyes fixed on your kingdom and through it serve those around me. Amen