In today’s gospel we hear Jesus foretell his betrayal, suffering, death and resurrection for the third time to the apostles. This episode follows that of the “rich man” who came to ask how it would be possible to acquire the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus spoke to him about getting rid of whatever keeps him from fully trusting God, and now Jesus is showing his apostles what true discipleship will look like, as it will involve pain and suffering.
We are told that,
“They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem…”
What was going through the apostles mind, and what was going through our Lord’s mind as they were heading to that place where God’s temple is to be found, but where the God-man himself will suffer and die for the sins of the world? The apostles are thinking glory and greatness—that Jesus will now be recognized for who he is and exalted, perhaps even made the king. But we know what Jesus thought of being made an earthly king, and how the honour of this world was as nothing compared to the glory he enjoyed from eternity with the other two divine Persons of the Holy Trinity, the Eternal Father and the Holy Spirit.
As Jesus steps out firmly on the road to Jerusalem, his disciples straggle behind. The apostles, we are told:
“…were amazed, and those who followed were afraid.”
Why would Jesus be on a suicide mission? Didn’t he value his life? Didn’t he value theirs and their love for him? Peter, as we recall tried to keep him from going to Jerusalem.
Going to a place knowing the authorities were out to get Jesus was confusing, saddening and dreadful to them. Yet he details for them very clearly that he knows exactly what he is doing, and that this is his mission which they will need patience, humility, and time to understand. Yet if they wished to follow him, they would have to take the same road and most of all, trust—trust him completely in everything.
My brothers and sisters, If we wish to reign with him, we too must deliberately choose the less comfortable lot in life and this takes a lot of courage and a strong faith which is animated by a huge love for God. We spoke about how our money should be used not solely for our own needs but for the poor.
But how about when we are asked to do something else that is difficult? How about when we are asked to forgive, for example?
Or, when Jesus asks us to heroically love our enemies? Those who embrace a completely different worldview? How do we deal with the proud, the arrogant, the deceivers? Are we still able to show them love and be charitable in our words and thoughts, hoping and praying for them so that they too will enjoy the greatest good that God wishes to give them? This is our journey. This road to Jerusalem, knowing pain awaits, is the road Jesus is telling us we must all take with him if we wish to continue following him. Difficult times will come, like loving an unfaithful spouse, or a religious superior who wrongs us. But when we continue to do God’s will, notwithstanding all this, the glorious joy that awaits afterwards will be tremendous.
Saint Paul tells the Romans (6:4) “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.” –newness of life by dying to our passions. Yes! And in his Second Letter to the Corinthians (4:10), he reminds them and us by extension, that, “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” Now, does this sound like he is describing people, or religious, or catholic faithful who seek, first and above all, their own personal desires and never step out of their comfort zone? Again, the road to Jerusalem is not a pretty one, but it is a blessed one, because it stands for the eternal and unfathomable will of the Father.
The other ten get angry at James and John, because not only are they not getting it, but now it’s getting personal. They’re willing to advance themselves and leave the others behind and so He reminds them that whoever wishes to be the greatest in heaven, must be a slave… a servant. Let’s ask ourselves: up until now, have I been living a life of service to others, or a life which seeks to be served by others? This too is another transition we must make. When we’re young, naturally the focus is going to be on ourselves—"what will my career be like? Will I be married and have lots of money, and big house? But first, my car. What’s gonna be my first car? How do I look? I think I’m gonna start lifting weights!”
Saint Peter reminds us, especially our younger selves, that “All flesh is grass and its glory like the wild flower’s. The grass withers, the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever. What is this word? It is the Good News that has been brought to you” 1 Peter 1:24.
Hopefully, the older we get, the more we begin to learn this lesson: that it was never meant to be primarily about ourselves, and my own selfish ambitions, but rather, God created me in his image… a plurality of Persons, and to seek my contributing role within his Kingdom, for we are all one Body—the Mystical Body of Christ. It’s all about my contribution to this, as being my first aspiration, but it’s a realization I slowly need to discover through God’s mercy and grace.
In the meanwhile and as we travel that road with the Lord, let us always remember how treasured we each are to Him.
The Holy Father once beautifully said, “Never doubt this, whatever may happen to you in life: at every moment, you are infinitely loved.”
It is fitting then that we conclude today’s homily with a short prayer of praise by Saint Augustine which goes like this, “You are good and all-powerful, caring for each one of us as though each is the only one in your care. Amen.”
Add comment
Comments