Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“The Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 20:17-28), Jesus again prophesies his death and resurrection. Hearing the news, the mother of James and John came to him and said, “Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” In response, Jesus asks them, “Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?”. While the reply, “Yes,” Jesus tells them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” The passage says that when the ten heard what had happened, they became angry and annoyed at James and John. Why should they get to sit at the right hand of Jesus and not us? Why are they so special? To sit at the right hand would be to claim that you are superior to the others. Jesus says, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.” To sit at the right hand of the father, we must be willing to sacrifice everything we have. We must be willing to surrender our total life to God. That means that we must be willing to become a slave to others. Jesus did not come to earth to “Lord over us” but to free us from the bonds of sin. To do so, we must drink the cup of Christ. This cup involves true sacrifice. Jesus shed his blood for us. We also must be willing to make that sacrifice for others. During Lent, who is more important – you or the your fellow man? What do you desire more – your own worldly goods or to cloth and feed those who have nothing? To sit at the right hand of the Father is not an easy request. You must be willing to lead the sacrificial life we are called to live.

A Simple Prayer Lord God, you are my master and my ruler. Give me the strength and wisdom to drink from your cup. I want to carry the cross which leads others to heaven

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon