Today's Gospel can be puzzling, like most, at first glance. The mother of the sons of Zebedee ask Jesus to put her two boys at either of his sides in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus says you don't know what you are asking...
It requires more than a prayer petition to reach our goal of eternal life. It requires a life of Christian attitude and service. Always striving to love and avoid evil. To remain in a state of grace by frequently making use of the Sacraments. More than anything, it requires service and humility. Saint John Chrysostom wrote "No one has ever been accused for not providing ornaments, but for those who neglect their neighbor a hell awaits with an inextinguishable fire and torment in the company of the demons. Do not, therefore, adorn the church and ignore your afflicted brother, for he is the most precious temple of all." Jesus reminds us today "whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave." Have you neglected a neighbor in need? Have you passed on the opportunity to serve your fellow brother or sister? Let us ask God for the virtue of humility so that we may serve each other, build up the body of Christ, and enjoy an eternal reward with God. God Bless, Jonathan Molik Pastoral Associate
0 Comments
Jesus gives us two lessons in today's Gospel that are very important to our current lives.
The first one is respecting the authority and hierarchy of the Church. He reminds the crowds to be obedient to the teachings of the scribes and pharisees for they are the lawful teachers of the law and the authoritative religious figures but do not follow their example. There are a lot of Catholics who allow a disagreement with their pastor or the pope to prevent them from living out the Christian life God calls us to live. Disagreeing with the choices of a priest does not mean they are not lawful authoritative figures in the church who have an obligation to teach us the faith. Remember that you can always and should always listen to the words for we have faith it is the Spirit of God working through them without jumping off the same cliff they jump off. The second lesson is humility. God throughout Sacred Scripture has always rewarded the humble. It is a theme in the commandments and beatitudes. Saint Faustina writes "He who wants to learn true humility should reflect upon the Passion of Jesus." As we continue our Lenten journey preparing for the passion. Reflect upon the virtues Jesus showed us and how can we best emulate them. God Bless, Jonathan Molik Pastoral Associate |
|