Responsiblity

Today’s Gospel Text:  And James and John, the sons of Zeb'edee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." 36 And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" 37 And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." 38 But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" 39 And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:35-45

Reflection: Many seek power and positions in life but they would not want to take up the total responsibilities that comes with such positions.

Some on gaining power become more corrupt and thus abdicate their responsibility to manage their jobs in all sincerity and with the right spirit.

Some gain power and want positions too but are incapable of handling their responsibilities and yet would not have the humility to step down or delegate that responsibility to someone lower then them, who may be better equipped and more capable.

There may be some in power who are so insecure that they work by envy of their subordinates and subjugate or spend their time and talent in persecuting their juniors and even demanding respect and honor.

Others gain power and positions, fulfill their responsibilities to the bare minimum or go by the code and hence can be less human in their ways of going about their job.

Some see how they can play even with their enemies, as long as they have the power in their hands by virtue of their position and authority.

Some do not know the job and are totally incapable and yet want to be in power and hold on to positions.

When will Christians learn from their faith that they already have a special place and privilege in society as salt of the earth and light of the world.

They wield a certain power by virtue of their faith and they need to live an incorrupt and self-sacrificing life as part of their responsibility to lead others to the light too.

Thus the Dedicated Disciples, who seeks that power and position, are admonished by Jesus and reminded about their responsibilities as true dedicated disciples; “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?"

Prayer: Lord we too desire that special place in your kingdom; strengthen us to accept the responsibilities associated with our privileges as Christians.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us