Daily Gospel Reflection for October 20, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 10:35-45

It is interesting that the request from James and John comes right after the third, most direct, time in Mark's Gospel whereby Jesus tells his disciples that He will suffer, be rejected, and die. (Mark 8:31, 9:31)

Neither James nor John seem to understand what the true implication of the word Messiah means. In a world where many Jews had hoped for a political leader who would lead Israel to its rightful prominent place, Jesus’ words simply do not match with their preconceived understanding. In fact, Jesus repeatedly flips the notion of authority and prominence on its head in His explanation of the Kingdom. And even if the disciples did have some idea of what Jesus was saying, would they be able to process the impending loss of their teacher and friend?

Growing up as the youngest child in the family, I sought to distinguish myself among my siblings who had, I thought, already earned their places as the “pretty one” and the “most loved.” Choosing to pursue recognition for learning instead, I focused on building a list of accomplishments to secure my own place in the family. However, it wasn’t until my grandmother and my mother were dying that I began to understand the incredible leadership that they provided and the responsibility that would fall to me. Looking back, I can see so clearly that neither took on those roles out of a desire for prominence, but instead out of love.

Their self-sacrificing love was not about power or greatness but instead required humility without any expectation of honor or reward. Never once did I witness either concerned with how they were seen by others; they simply tended to others’ needs. Likewise, as Christians, we might just be where we should if we find ourselves too busy with the work at hand to care where we are to sit.

Ponder:

What is it that truly motivates our service for others? Are we being faithful to what we are called to do, or instead focused on the praise and acclamation that others receive?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, You ask us look to You in seeking a model of service and love. Help me to put aside any ambitions or motivations other than the care and concern of those You have placed before me in all that I do today.

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