Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In Mark’s gospel, he has a short description of the Last Supper, without the washing of the disciples’ feet found in the gospel of John. Today’s passage has a similar message. While James and John seem to be close friends of Jesus, they obviously have not learned what it means to follow him. But they think this is the time to ask for their share in the glory of Jesus’ Kingdom.
Jesus doesn’t make any promises of worldly glory, but he does promise a share in his suffering. When he goes on to remind them of how Gentiles rule over people, they probably thought he was going to let them do the same. Imagine their surprise when he told them that the greatest of them would be the ones who served the rest.
They still did not understand that Jesus had to suffer and die to complete his life mission. They probably did not know what Jesus meant about their being baptized in death as Jesus would. But then how many people today know that leadership is a form of service? Whether you are head of a family, or of a nation, you were given that authority by God. And God expects leaders to not only direct those under them, but inspire and encourage them to do better. Parents do more than correct their children: They also guide them, love them, protect them, and sometimes even let them learn from their mistakes.
This connection of leadership and service is all inclusive. A manager is called to help his employees do their jobs better, not by badgering, but by giving the support they need. Government leaders are called to serve all constituents, not just the ones who donate to their election fund. Military leaders must support their troops with respect as well as discipline. God calls Church leaders in a special way to service of their flock: to protect the weakest members, to give an example of Jesus’ love to all, and to be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in both clergy and laity. Anyone who lives a life of loving service can be “greatest” in the Kingdom of God.
Tom Schmidt