GOSPEL REFLECTION, WEDNESDAY, 8TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, 27 MAY 2026

Mark 10:32-45.  On the long journey from Galilee to Jerusalem Jesus had already told his disciples on two occasions about his coming death.  Today’s reading is the third time, and just as at the other times the disciples are confused and alarmed (8:31; 9:31).  Disciples they were, but they had not yet fully understood Jesus and would not do so until after the resurrection when all that had happened now began to make sense.  Each time Jesus foretold his death more details were mentioned of what would happen.  Each time there was confusion and the disciples were afraid.

On this occasion James and John were emboldened to ask Jesus to have privileged positions in the kingdom that would come after Jesus’ death.  Jesus told them that they had no idea what it was they were asking, asking them if they were ready to take the responsibility of their request, and while they said yes, Jesus told them that such privileges were not his to give.   The other ten disciples became angry with James and John when they heard all this, so now anger is added to the confusion and fear that accompanied prophecies of his death.  Jesus now had to intervene, so he drew them all aside to teach them, telling them that the Kingdom he foretold was not about positions of power and privilege as in earthly society.  He told them that they were not called to such positions, but were called to be servants, just as Jesus was – not power and privilege holders to reign over others.  The heavenly Kingdom is the reverse of how the world is now.  True disciples joined firmly to Christ Messiah can be transformed by service into instruments of redeeming grace.  That is our vocation by baptism into the Lord’s death and resurrection.  Do we fulfill that vocation?