The ambitious desires expressed by James and John in today’s Gospel probably take a different form in our hearts and minds depending on our personalities and experiences.
We’re not immune to their lure, however.

There are so many pressures that surround us: impress others, demonstrate how capable you are, rise to the top, take care of yourself, be noticed, grab that spotlight. It is exhausting to list them, let alone try to live them!

In contrast, the Church gives us the true path to freedom: servant humility, the greatest “greatness.” Isaiah prophesies a Savior who will suffer – one through whom the will of the Lord will be accomplished because of his affliction.
He is a servant, who in his obedience shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.

This is a different kind of Savior, a different kind of ruler than what the people expected. It would take Christ’s death on the cross for God’s people to begin to understand. He is a ruler covered not with costly gems and garments, but with affliction. He is a ruler crowned not with gold, but with thorns. Christ is a ruler whose power comes not from violence or domination, but from love. And we are called to subject ourselves to the rule of this powerful love.

In contrast to the pressures to grasp for power, comfort, and fame, our Church proclaims humble service. As disciples, we understand that the only path to greatness in the kingdom of God is the path of self-giving love.

This is the secret of life. A good life lies not in rising to the top, but rather, in pouring oneself out in love for others. This is certainly a counter-cultural call, and it is not always easy.

But our Church also proclaims grace. The woundedness of our nature is powerful and so the pressure of these cultural forces is strong. The challenges of giving ourselves in this world are many. But our Church reminds us that in every struggle and in every temptation, we can approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

In the Letter to the Hebrews, we are told that Jesus is a high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, who has been tested in every way, yet without sin. When being a servant to others seems a heavy burden, we are reminded that Jesus is there to carry that weight with us.

Let us, in receiving this holy Eucharist, draw near to Christ who pours himself out to us. Let us receive his strength so that we might be great as he is great: powerful in love, crowned by sacrifice, made holy in the giving of all we are.
Let us invite Christ to rule our lives, so that in humble service for his kingdom, we may participate in his salvation.

Fr.Michal Pajak OMI, October 20,2024