Please the Lord

Today’s Gospel Text: Then the mother of the sons of Zeb'edee came up to him, with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." 22 But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." 23 He said to 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." 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; 28 even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matt 20:20-28

Reflection: To be content and satisfied with what we have is a noble quality.

Our over ambitiousness can kill many an innocent men and women at the stake.

In history, and even now, we have quite a few examples of such people who in their ambition to achieve great things, and what apparently appeared to be noble, have destroyed a whole generation of people.

The worst form of it is manifested for the sake of power; either to gain it or to maintain oneself in power.

For some it could even be a situation of identifying their selves with the powerful or gaining their approval.

Knowing that these qualities can be big barriers to enter into the life of God and to walk according to his plans St. Paul had this to say:  

“Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want.”  Phil 4:11-12

Jesus seems to reveal to us that power and authority in God’s kingdom belongs to his Father and it is his prerogative to appoint the ones in office and what position one should hold in his kingdom.

Hence there is no room for jealousy, envy, accompanied by all kinds of politicking in order to climb the seat of power or affiliate oneself to it, whether in our work place or in public service.

Nor is there a place to be pleasing to men in general or to people in authority, so as to compromise on the gospel of Christ. 

What will it profit a man if he gains earthly power, positions, wealth, money, approval and even the whole world and forfeits his soul? (cfr. Mt. 16:26; Lk. 9:25)

Prayer: To you, O Lord, belongs all authority and power, may I live my life pleasing you alone.

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