Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent - March 11
Jeremiah 18:18-20 Matthew 20:17-28
I can totally relate to the mother of James and John when she walked right up to Jesus and asked if her sons could sit at his side in his kingdom. Well, of course she did! We mothers would do anything for the “betterment” of our children. I think this is a natural instinct for a mother. However, as we know, there are times when this instinct does not do any favors for our children in the long run. That said, Jesus (as is so often the case) turns this encounter into a wonderful opportunity to remind us that what really matters most is that our children learn to serve others and that this is where prestige is found in God’s kingdom.
As we read in this Gospel, the other ten apostles were taken aback by the fact that James’ and John’s mother was asking for “special treatment” in the Kingdom! In response, Jesus reminds them that in order to achieve greatness one must serve the rest; and that whoever wants to rank fi rst among you, must serve the needs of all. Over and over again, Jesus tells us that from those who have more, more will be expected. As individuals we all have special gifts of various types and we need to use those gifts for the benefi t of everyone. To serve is to show our love and appreciation for those gifts by sharing them with others. It is our way of giving thanks to God.
As a mother myself, it makes me smile to imagine that Jesus learned this Gospel lesson from his own mother; for it was Mary who said, “behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38). Mom Power!
Q: What has your own mother, or a motherly figure in your life, taught you about service to others? Whether she is living or in the Kingdom of Heaven, tell her “thank you.”
I can totally relate to the mother of James and John when she walked right up to Jesus and asked if her sons could sit at his side in his kingdom. Well, of course she did! We mothers would do anything for the “betterment” of our children. I think this is a natural instinct for a mother. However, as we know, there are times when this instinct does not do any favors for our children in the long run. That said, Jesus (as is so often the case) turns this encounter into a wonderful opportunity to remind us that what really matters most is that our children learn to serve others and that this is where prestige is found in God’s kingdom.
As we read in this Gospel, the other ten apostles were taken aback by the fact that James’ and John’s mother was asking for “special treatment” in the Kingdom! In response, Jesus reminds them that in order to achieve greatness one must serve the rest; and that whoever wants to rank fi rst among you, must serve the needs of all. Over and over again, Jesus tells us that from those who have more, more will be expected. As individuals we all have special gifts of various types and we need to use those gifts for the benefi t of everyone. To serve is to show our love and appreciation for those gifts by sharing them with others. It is our way of giving thanks to God.
As a mother myself, it makes me smile to imagine that Jesus learned this Gospel lesson from his own mother; for it was Mary who said, “behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38). Mom Power!
Q: What has your own mother, or a motherly figure in your life, taught you about service to others? Whether she is living or in the Kingdom of Heaven, tell her “thank you.”
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