Homily: Second Wednesday of Lent
Second Wednesday of Lent (Mt. 20:17-28) “Drink if You Can”
“Blessed are they when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven.” (Mt. 5:11-12)
This is the last beatitude in the sermon on the mount. One cannot help but think of this saying of Jesus when we hear today’s Gospel. The episode describes an event that happens much later. James and John are asked if they are willing to drink of the cup that Jesus is to drink of.
A great leader is one who never asks their followers to do anything that they are unwilling to do. Jesus practiced what he preached. Who can forget his instruction for his followers to forgive their enemies. On the cross, as the enemies of Jesus were torturing him he uttered the words, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” (23:34)
Jesus sought the lowest place. Who can forget the way he washed the feet of his disciples at the last supper. This was the work of a slave. Jesus asked the disciples to do the same.
When James and John asked for a place of honor, he says there are no guarantees that you are going to enjoy privileges when you are my apostles. The only thing I promise you is that if you are my followers you are going to be ridiculed, laughed at and perhaps have to endure physical abuse. When the Apostles later were beaten, imprisoned, expelled from the synagogue, disowned by their families and endure other indignities they could not say they were not warned.
If we are enjoying benefits because we are apostles of Jesus, we might want to think about whether we are fulfilling our vocation. Living out the Gospel, in all its fullness, often leads one into trouble. But we do not endure anything that Jesus did not endure. We literally drink of the cup that Jesus drank from.
Reflection Questions:
1. Have I ever lost a special privilege because I follow Jesus? When did that happen?
2. Do I find that I gain more than I lose by practicing my Christianity. Why or why not?
Dear Parishioners,
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adult candidates will be celebrating the first scrutiny this weekend. During the scrutinizes we pray that our catechumens will leave evil behind and that they will be open to the good. We could also say that they are being examined to determine if they are worth of reception into the church.
In our society it seems like we are aways recruiting people to join the organizations we belong to. It isn’t often that someone joins a social service group voluntarily. People do not usually face an examination to be a part of group.
When we have to pass the muster to join some movement or group, we probably value membership in that organization more. The RCIA candidates have been going through formation since September. Their sacrifice reminds us to look on our Christian vocation as a privilege and a blessing.
May our Lady pray for us as we continue the Lenten Journey.
Fr. Mark