WHAT IS OUR DESIRE?
They think that
being the Messiah means glory and power, but Jesus defines it in terms of
suffering and death on a cross.
We compare ourselves with others and oftentimes desire their
praise. The appetite for glory and greatness seems to be inbred in us. Who
doesn't cherish the ambition to be "somebody" whom others admire
rather than a "nobody?" Even the Psalms speak about the glory God our
Father has destined for you and I. "You
have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and
honor" (Ps 8:5). We also read in today's Responsorial Psalm how important
we are to our heavenly Father. "Cast your care upon the Lord, and He will
support you" (Ps 55:23).
Jesus Christ predicts His suffering, death, and Resurrection
three times in the Gospel of Mark. Each time the disciples fail to understand
what He means. They think that being the Messiah means glory and power, but
Jesus defines it in terms of suffering and death on a cross. Because of this,
Jesus follows up His prediction with a corrective teaching to help them
understand. He emphasizes His teaching that in order to be first, one must be
last and, not only that, but one must be a servant of all.
Jesus uses a little child to illustrate what He means. He points
to a child as an example of what a disciple should be; He is pointing to the
lowest status available. This is what it means to be a servant of all. It is
all about following Jesus, Who will give His life for others, with no desire
for power, glory and wealth. It is a very difficult and challenging teaching
for them and us, today. Jesus, Himself, is our Model. He came not to be served,
but to serve (cf. Mt 20:28), and St.
Paul tells us that "He emptied Himself and took
the form of a servant" (Phil 2:7). God opposes the proud, but gives grace
to His humble children.
What do you desire?