The "Sons of Thunder" attend the first "Come to Jesus" Meeting

Sunday, October 18. 2009
The Glorious Mysteries
Isaiah 53:10-11
Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
Hebrews 4:14-16
Mark 10:35-45 or 10:42-45

In St. Mark's Gospel, the two "sons of thunder," James and John, make a bid for a power position in Jesus' new kingdom. They're overeager and too confident as they ask the Master for the choice seats next to His Throne! Jesus doesn't get angry with them. After assuring them that seating arrangements will be made by God the Father, He quietly asks them if they're prepared to drink the bitter cup that He is about to drink.

James and John must have looked at each other in some embarrassment and confusion before they replied, "We can!" The rest of the disciples hear about the apparent self-centered request and become indignant. (Obviously, they're looking for power and prestige just as much as the two brothers.)

The Master calls them all together for a little “Come to Jesus Meeting”. “Come To” and “Follow Me” talks characterize Jesus’ relating with His friends in Mark’s Gospel. In Mark’s account, the disciples are a little slow of heart and shaky of faith. Jesus uses a familiar image to them for His teaching.

Sadly, Jesus realizes that none of them understand (again), so He emphatically and clearly sets the rules for Christian discipleship. There is to be no lording it over one another! "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."

There's a tendency for us to assume that the Lord is talking to the "big shots" in the Church. The truth is, He's talking to the whole Church. To whatever extent we abuse the authority of our Baptism, either in carrying out our Church ministries or in our families, to that extent we are untrue to the example Jesus sets for us.

The other readings for the day make it clear that Jesus, the High Priest, does not identify with us in our sinfulness, but in our suffering. So, if we are to follow Jesus' rules for discipleship, we must prepare to be "suffering servants." This is what I need to work on.