21.9.2003 Sunday 25th Ordinary Season
First Reading: Book of Wisdom 2,17-20
Psalm 53
Second Reading: James 3,16 - 4,3
Gospel Mark 9,30-37
Today's gospel teaches us two important things and the first reading comments the first and the letter of St James, the second.
Jesus wants a few moments alone with his disciples in order to reveal his passion to them, ahead of time, thus preparing them for the great changes that were to come about in their lives. How did Jesus know what was going to happen to him? He knows from the prophets and from the other Holy Books that the one who was just, God's friend, would have adversaries, that he would be condemned, that he would have to suffer and die, but also that he would be helped by the power of the Father. The passage from the Book of Wisdom (first reading) seems to be showing us a picture of how Jesus' enemies would plot against him: "We shall condemn him to an infamous death, because according to his words, help will be granted him!" Jesus knew these words, he knew that the Book was the Word of God and that this was to take place during his lifetime. Hence he does not hesitate to tell the disciples that he would be delivered unto the hands of men and they would kill him, but also that when he was killed after three days he would rise again.
The disciples responded with silence. They were not able to take the words of their Master seriously. They thought that these things were impossible and they were not ready for them; they were without words and did not try to understand the revelation in greater depth. It touches on the most important facts in history, but their thoughts are elsewhere. Their interest is for other topics for they are stuck on their erroneous conception of the kingdom of God that our Lord was to bring about. They thought the kingdom was an earthly kingdom in which they were to receive important positions of command! They really were like men have been throughout history! And I am no exception.
While Jesus talks of his own death and the divine intervention of the resurrection, they are still anchored tanaciously to this earth, where it is important to be respected by others, admired and revered by them. It reminds me of discusions overheard among priests or the faithful, of people who have taken offence because they feel neglected or forgotten, or who suffer from jealousy because they feel someone has been prefered to them. It brings to mind the "fear" or nervousness I sometimes feel before giving a sermon, because I think others might judge me or consider me ignorant!
A position among men! As if the Kingdom of God were the kingdom of men! Thank goodness the Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of God. And the only judge is God, the Father, he who loves all, and in particular the little ones, the forgotten ones, the weak ones, those who suffer because they have been left behind. In God's Kingdom it is God's justice that counts! And God judges positively those who are last from choice, those who serve others, because this is the type of love that most resembles His, that contains something of His! So that his disciples do not forget this teaching, Jesus places a child in their midst. The child needs care for it is small! A servant is important when he serves an important person! For Jesus the child is important! Become the servant of a child "in the name of Jesus", this is the way to be the first, to enjoy being the first. This is the position Jesus himself takes, when he became the servant of sinners, when he was humiliated in order to raise those who had sunk into the depths because of sin. The Apostle James echoes this teaching of Jesus'.
He sees that the desire to be great generates jealousy and in its' turn disorder and evil actions; ambition and envy generate dissatisfaction, quarrels and wars. Christians, therefore, go in search of the wisdom that comes from above, that is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits! How wonderful to meet people who have these attitudes! And they do exist among us Christians! Among us there are people who have renounced their inheritance rather than quarrel with their brothers and sisters, people who have accepted demotion rather than denounce their colleagues or directors, people who have let themselves be trodden on rather than be unfaithful to their wife or husband or family. Obedience to Jesus and imitating his gentlesness and humility generates beautiful, holy, serene people, who remain hidden to the superficial eye, but who attract grace, peace, light, serenity, harmony and health!
Today I ask our Lord Jesus to give me also of his wisdom and in asking, I partake
of acts of humility and service!