Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Sometimes we focus on the benefits of following Jesus. We find peace. We find truth. We find life. These are all great blessings that come from being Christians, but there is more to discipleship than its comforts.
Today Jesus shifts our focus to the cost of discipleship.
Our Gospel story today begins with a request from two of his closest and earliest disciples, James and John. They wanted the perks that will come, they think, by following Jesus. So, they ask Jesus for the places of honor that are normally reserved for those with power: “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.”
Of course, the other ten apostles became indignant at the request. Maybe they too wanted some moment of glory. So, Jesus gathers them around for a lesson in humility.
He said to them, “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; for whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” The cost of discipleship is found in giving one’s life to someone other than one’s own self. We find this in a man who gives his life to his wife, a woman who gives her life to her husband, in parents who give their lives to their children, in those in ministry who give their lives to the Church, and in all of us who give our lives to those in need each day as they come before us. This is the love found in becoming “slaves of all.”
Jesus will be the prime example of this type of saving servanthood. He will die on the cross, not as a benefit to himself, but as a benefit to others. In a similar way, St. Paul would like his own ministry as becoming a slave to the people of the Churches he had visited.
The way to greatness in the reign of God is through self-emptying. Sainthood is found not in self-promotion, but in seeking the good of others by imitating Jesus, who “did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.” This is why the cross becomes our inspiration to do what Jesus has done for us; to love each other without counting the cost. When we do that, the blessings of discipleship are increased — but only because of our giving will we ever hope to receive.
Have a blessed week everyone.