Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Fr Dominic’s Homily
Did James and John really know what they were asking for? How do we pray to God if we really want something?
If we want true peace in our hearts then we need to say something along the lines of:
Lord give me what I need to come closer to you in this world – not just what I want.
Lord you know I really want this but your will be done
We get the idea that this world isn’t just about us but it’s actually about God and we are just small players in his great plan of salvation.
So today we hear James and John asking for a favour. Why? Well they see themselves as special somehow. They ask for greatness. They want to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus when he comes into his glory.
They are asking for Honour and glory which are good things in themselves. But here it is being asked for in with the wrong spirit. Here it is all about the ego of James and John. They seek it for the wrong reasons.
So how does Jesus respond? First he says you don’t know what you are asking for! And it’s true they don’t! Because Jesus then goes on to ask them can you drink the cup that I will drink or be baptised in the way that I will be?
In other words he is saying if you really want to achieve this true kind of greatness then it is only possible if you go through a tremendous suffering.
Because this is what I came into the world for and this is exactly what I am going to go through. And it is only through this that that sins can be forgiven, that the world can ever be saved, and we can reach eternal life.
Now if we think about it what does it mean then when Jesus comes into his Glory? It’s when he is lifted up on the cross. This is where his ministry leads and when his kingdom begins.
So when he is reigning in his kingdom in this sense who are on his right side and on his left side? Two thieves awaiting their own crucifixion. And this is why Jesus says to them you do not know what you are asking.
Because you are asking to endure the worst kind of suffering and death that these two criminals are going to endure next to me. One my right and on my left.
Remember that Jesus comes into the world not to be served but to serve. That is where ultimate greatness is found. Through him pouring out his life blood for us. So Jesus needs to explain this to his apostles who still don’t understand.
Then Jesus says that curious phrase about his blood being poured out as a ransom for many. Not for everyone but for many. I say this in the Mass at one point and you will hear it and so many people ask me about this. We used to say all but that changed in 2008. Because by saying many it is closer to the original translation of what Jesus actually said.
And when Jesus said many he is quoting Isaiah in that first reading where he speaks about the sufferings of the Messiah that will justify many. It’s not meant to be exclusive but inclusive. It actually means everyone. Although of course not everyone will respond.
Maybe we can ask what kind of cup does the Lord have in mind for each one of us? For some this involves physical, psychological or emotional suffering for the sake of Christ.
But for many of us, it entails the daily routine of the Christian life, with all its daily sacrifices, joys but also many sufferings.
To really achieve greatness in life we must try and forget ourselves and dedicate our lives to some thing or someone that transcends our own interests and human pride.
We have to give ourselves over to something that is greater.
So amidst the various sufferings we may have in our lives it’s good to ask to whom and to what is my life really dedicated?
Because here is where we will find the true greatness that God wishes us to have.
Jesus pours out his life and his love for us. Through his infinite divine love comes infinite forgiveness of our sins.
This is the true greatness that is worthy of all our honour and glory.