Today’s Thoughts: Our readings today provide us with some interesting thoughts to consider.
In our first reading from Isaiah, we encounter one of the Suffering Servant passages from Second Isaiah. Who is the Suffering Servant you ask? Well one answer might be Isaiah, himself. The writer of this section of the Book of Isaiah looking back on the Great Prophet and all that he gave of himself for the faith community. Or it could be an anonymous prophet who again gave his all for the faith community. Thirdly, the Suffering Servant just might be the faith community, a community of Israelites brought together after exile trying to make their way back to God, and to all that has been promised. Finally, as life has wandered down through the ages the Suffering Servant has become Jesus and his journey to Calvary. In our second reading we aren’t speaking about the Suffering Servant, or are we? The writer of Hebrews pictures Jesus as the Great High Priest. The one who offers himself at the perfect sacrifice for the many. The high priest who has taken on our human nature in all things but sin. If anyone knows us it is Jesus, Hight Priest and Suffering Servant! Finally, we have a familiar story in our Gospel from Mark today, the story of James and John trying to be first in line. Unlike Matthew’s version of this story, in which it is the mother of James and John who askes the favor of Jesus, it is James and John asking themselves. It is easy knowing the background of how Mark treats the disciples throughout his Gospel to say this is another example of the disciples “not getting it,” of “missing the point,” of “not listening.” However, I would like to offer a different take. James and John have been with Jesus awhile by this point in the Gospel. They have traveled with Jesus, listen to him preach. Watch him heal, cast out demons and show great care and concern for people in need. Thus, we might draw the conclusion that at this moment they are profoundly impressed, taken with Jesus. They see something special in him. They sense a grace, a charism, a spirit. They want to be near him, in his presence. Haven’t you felt that way about people from time to time. People that seem bigger than life. People who have impressed, influenced, and touched you in profound ways. Often when we encounter people like this, we want to be in their presence, we want to spend time with them. Have you ever been asked the question, “If you could have breakfast, lunch or dinner with anyone, who would you pick?” If someone asked me that question right now, I know exactly whom I who I would pick, Pope Francis! I would just like to spend time in his presence, listen to him, take in his spirit, his energy, his grace, and I would not care if I were on his right or his left! In the Gospel Jesus does not correct or become aggravated with James and John. He just explains how they can reach what they desire. By living their life to the fullest with care and concern for others. Notice Jesus says his right and left “is for those for whom it has been prepared.” Perhaps in other words, for those who live their lives in service to others. Our challenge as disciples, as people of faith is to live our lives with a focus outward towards others. We are not to worry about being first or having the most power, authority, the most influence. We are to help the faith community move forward by getting as close as we can to Jesus in this life. By taking in his spirit, his energy, his grace, his love and offering it to others. If this is the focus of our life, then when we take our very last breath, we just might find ourselves on his right or left for all eternity. Have a blessed, holy, and healthy Sunday everyone!
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Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P. "Preacher on the Run"Just a few thoughts to help you on your journey through life...let me know from time to time what you think... Archives
May 2023
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