Today’s readings reveal the tension between worldly ambition and divine sacrifice. In the first reading, Jeremiah faces a Conspiracy . Peopl...
Today’s readings reveal the tension between worldly ambition and divine sacrifice. In the first reading, Jeremiah faces a Conspiracy. People are plotting against him because he speaks the Truth. In his pain, he cries out to God, reminding the Lord that he stood before Him to speak on their behalf. Jeremiah is a "type" of Christ—the suffering servant who is rejected by those he tries to save.
In the Gospel, Jesus is walking toward His own "conspiracy" in Jerusalem. He predicts His passion for the third time. Yet, right in the middle of this somber moment, the mother of James and John asks for a favor: "Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom."
She is looking for power; Jesus is looking at the Cup of suffering. He asks the brothers, "Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?" They say "We can," without truly knowing the cost.
Jesus uses this moment to redefine leadership. In the world, "great ones make their authority felt." But in the Church, greatness is defined by Charity—specifically, the charity of service. "The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Lent asks us the same question: Are we following Jesus for the "throne" or for the "cup"? Are we seeking to "make our authority felt" at home or at work, or are we seeking to give our lives away? Let us pray for the courage to drink from His cup of selfless love.
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