I always grin when I think about the Apostles getting snarky with one another, especially when James and John’s mom steps in to ask Jesus what His plans are for her boys (not as explicit in St. Mark’s version). We all have a propensity to want to know the future.
Why are we doing what we are doing? What’s next? How should I be preparing? We move from one day to the next, preparing for things, moving toward goals, completing assignments, fulfilling contracts, etc. We fixate on meeting commitments.
Picture the look on Jesus’ face, and His Mother sitting beside Him watching you. What are they thinking? What do they see as important? Probably your happiness more so than your deadline.
Let the Lord help
This is when we need their mercy. Hand your baggage to the Lord and let Him carry it. Ask for His Mercy and forgiveness when you take your eyes off the real prize… His love, His gaze. This gift of mercy gives us the grace to trust that He has things covered for us. He already knows what we want and need.
Otherwise, we would not sense it as a want or a need. Ultimately, we are trying to be His hands and feet here on Earth as we work our way back to Him. We cannot forget that Jesus was similarly tested in every way. “For we have not a high priest, who cannot have compassion on our infirmities: but one tempted in all things like as we are, without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15).
Think about Jesus trying to manage His agenda, achieve His objectives, within a limited timeframe. Here come His closest friends asking what’s in it for them? What’s the incentive plan for their participation? He was probably greatly frustrated (as we would be).
But, He handles it with complete mercy and compassion, encouraging them to trust in the goodness of the Lord, and to trust in His will. “But to sit on my right hand, or on my left, is not mine to give to you, but to them for whom it is prepared.” (Mark 10:40).
Imagine Jesus and Mary with you now. What do you want to hand over to them? How can they help? Accept the Lord’s mercy, and it will give you the grace to trust that all is unfolding according to His will.
[Readings: Is 53:10-11; Heb 4:14-16; Mk 10:35-45 or 10:42-45
