Gospel Reflection - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time


In our humanness, we all aspire to greatness on some level.  Children want to be first in line to reach the playground.  Athletes strive for the win in championship games or the gold medal in the Olympics.  Musicians compete with one another for the honor of first chair within their instrument section.  My examples could go on and on!


Here in today’s Gospel, we hear James and John vying for places of honor on either side of Jesus.  Once again, Jesus has to admonish his disciples!  He explains that those seats are not for Him to give and asks if they will be able to drink the cup He will drink and endure the baptism He will face.  They say they can, but still do not comprehend His mission.  He was not to rebel against the kingdoms of Earth and be served by others, but to establish a Heavenly Kingdom and serve mankind through His love and mercy.  


Jesus lowered Himself to the point of humility, dying a violent death on the cross so that we could be released from the bonds of sin, thereby gaining the joy and peace of eternal life in Heaven.  Once we reach our Heavenly reward, there will be no more need to compete to be the first to reach the playground, first chair in our section, a championship win or the gold medal.  We will truly be equals, not just in His eyes, but ours as well. 


How can you develop a servant’s heart among those closest to you?


Meditate on what Heaven will be like where everyone is equal.  How can you begin to see equality among others here on Earth?


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