29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B - 21/10/2012 - Gospel: Mk 10:35-45
Misunderstanding
In today's Gospel reading a leadership competition occurs amongst the Apostles. The Apostles misunderstood Jesus on several grounds.
First, they thought that to be in a leadership position would mean more power and better service provided to them. Jesus gave them a completely different picture. Leadership in the Kingdom is providing service, not receiving service.
The Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. v 45.
Second, the Apostles thought the Messiah would be a triumphant King with all its glories. Instead, Jesus chose to have glory through suffering and death before his resurrection.
Third, their request to be great - to sit one on the right, one on the left of the leader-is genuine and in accordance with the standards of the world but Jesus told them…
You do not know what you are asking for. v38
When a person is longing to have glory in this world they are under the influence of their mind and not their heart. This notion is also true of Christian love. When you love God above all things, you will love to imitate his way of life - His way of service and His way of leadership.
First, they thought that to be in a leadership position would mean more power and better service provided to them. Jesus gave them a completely different picture. Leadership in the Kingdom is providing service, not receiving service.
The Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. v 45.
Second, the Apostles thought the Messiah would be a triumphant King with all its glories. Instead, Jesus chose to have glory through suffering and death before his resurrection.
Third, their request to be great - to sit one on the right, one on the left of the leader-is genuine and in accordance with the standards of the world but Jesus told them…
You do not know what you are asking for. v38
When a person is longing to have glory in this world they are under the influence of their mind and not their heart. This notion is also true of Christian love. When you love God above all things, you will love to imitate his way of life - His way of service and His way of leadership.
Written by Fr Vũđình Tường
St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane Australia
St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane Australia