Daily Gospel Reflection for October 18, 2015

Today's Gospel: Mark 10:35-45 or Mark 10:42-45

We all know the story of today’s gospel. It was a lesson to the apostles in humility. Jesus was explaining that glory is not in high positions of power but in being a servant.

But there was something else I found interesting in today’s gospel, and it’s the intimate relationship the apostles shared with Jesus. James and John were apparently very comfortable and very bold with Jesus. They approached Jesus saying they wanted him to do “whatever we ask of you.” There is something in that question that lacks formality and pretension. In fact, it’s filled with trust. What I love even more was that Jesus did not say no. In fact, he was all ears, “What do you wish me to do for you?”

Granted, his answer to them was not the one they wanted to hear. They were most likely imagining an earthly kingdom where they would rule at his side. But, in a way, he actually answered their prayers in a very significant way. They did drink of the same cup of martyrdom that Christ drank from, and they did end up in high positions of power.

Matthew 19: 28 says, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Wow! When we ask, God will answer in big ways. Sometimes what’s best for us does not come without suffering and martyrdom in between, even if it’s a white martyrdom.

Ponder:

Do I approach God with intimacy and trust, knowing He will answer me? Am I open to God’s plan for me, or do I tell God how to answer my prayers? Practice being open-hearted to God’s will.

Pray:

Lord, my ways are not your ways. Help me to remember this and to trust in you completely. Make me bold in my prayers, and let me not be afraid of suffering for the sake of your glory.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Victoria Garaitonandia Gisondi