A Life of Loving Service
I am challenged today by the scripture readings. Jesus says to the two close apostles, James and John, sons of Zebedee, that he cannot give them places on his right and his left, when he comes into the kingdom, “because these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted.”
I wonder who are the people that have been allotted the places? When Jesus was hanging on the cross at Calvary, those on the right and left of him were the two thieves. By this, Jesus makes it clear that his disciples are called to embrace him in his suffering and death. Jesus was telling his disciples that to follow him is to allow his Cross and suffering to be central to their lives. His throne, the seat of power, the place from where he rules — is the cross — For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
In the opening prayer of the Mass, we say: Almighty ever-living God, grant that we may always conform our will to yours and serve your majesty in sincerity of heart. There are no “jobs for the boys”, but Jesus welcomes all those who wholeheartedly do what God wants and do it with great sincerity.
James the son of Zebedee, the brother of John, is the first of the twelve disciples to be martyred after Stephen, who was stoned to death. James was killed by King Herod with a sword. So he did drink the cup. And was baptised with the martyrdom of Christ.
As I hear the words of Jesus, calling me to a life of service, I pray that I may be given the wisdom to see and understand, how I am to live this life of loving service. I offer this prayer in the spirit of St Francis:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is error, the truth; where there is doubt, the faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. Grant that I may seek not so much to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.