In this reflection for the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we delve into Mark 10:35-45, where James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approach Jesus with a request that reveals their misunderstanding of true discipleship. Jesus uses this moment to teach his disciples about the nature of greatness in the Kingdom of God, contrasting worldly power with the humility required of those who wish to follow Him. This passage highlights themes of service, sacrifice, and the true meaning of leadership in the Christian faith.
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Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:15 First Reading
2:04 Bishop David Walker
6:25 Mrs Virginia Ryan
7:35 Fr John Frauenfelder
8:46 Self Reflection
8:59 Second Reading
10:37 Bishop David Walker
11:00 Fr John Frauenfelder
11:43 Mrs Virginia Ryan
12:43 Self Reflection
13:25 Farewell & Final Prayer
Mark 10:35-45
The Request of James and John
35 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.” 36 And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Appoint us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 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?” 39 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, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to appoint, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
41 When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. 42 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. 43 But it is not so among you; instead, whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Points of Interest
- Misunderstanding of Greatness: The desire for status among the disciples reflects a common human tendency to equate leadership with authority rather than service.
- Cup and Baptism: These metaphors signify the trials and sacrifices that come with true discipleship.
- Contrast with Worldly Leadership: Jesus’ teaching calls for a radical rethinking of what it means to lead and serve, relevant in today’s context as well.
- Selflessness in Action: The passage challenges readers to reflect on their own motivations and the cost of following Christ.
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