October 20, 2024 Season after Pentecost
October 20, 2024 Season after Pentecost
We have an entitlement mentality that suggests, “It’s all about me.” In February 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. gave a sermon on what he called the “drum major instinct—a desire to be out front, a desire to lead the parade, a desire to be first.” King contended this human instinct begins with our first cries as an infant to get our mother’s attention and continues throughout our life. We desire to be recognized. We are more satisfied when revered. MLK concludes, “Nobody is unhappy when they are praised, even if they know they don’t deserve it, or even if they don’t believe it. The only time people are unhappy about praise is when praise is going toward somebody else.” Saddened by another’s successes, we fail to recognize and give thanks for our multiple blessings received each day.
St. Mark tells us that Jesus was approached by two of his disciples, James and John. Their request was for special recognition from the Messiah. The two were likely convinced that Jesus was to be the heir to the throne of David and wanted to be given a seat of power in His new kingdom. Jesus tells the pair that they do not understand that for which they pray. Their teacher tells them if they are able to receive his destiny, they will receive the same recognition. Jesus then tells the pair “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.”
St. Matthew tells a similar story, but in his version, the mother of the two young men approaches Jesus asking for the place of honor for her sons. However the request came to the Holy One of G_d, it produced a jealousy in the other ten disciples. These ten had walked the same walk, reached the same peaks, and descended to the same valleys as these brothers, so why weren’t they assured the same, or greater recognition by Jesus. Jesus tells them that while ruling over others is a common desire of those considered “great” among men, “whoever would be great among you must be your servant…even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus, calls us to an earthly labor of humility, calls us to seek ways to serve, and calls us to sacrifice an immediate satisfaction for the eternal life. Excellence can be achieved. Jesus teaches, that if the pursuit of man’s recognition is your desire, then when man’s recognition is given, you have your reward. A life marked from scars of service in His name, reaps Divine laurels. Everything is not a competition. You are already on His guest list. There is a seat for you at the heavenly rewards banquet. Although passed over by praises temporal, as His servants we are rising moment by moment to presence eternal.
Pax
jbt
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