Homilette for May 30, 2007

Wednesday, VIII Week of Ordinary Time

(Mark 10)

The gospel describes the disciples as “amazed,” probably at Jesus for his resoluteness in going to Jerusalem where nothing but ill awaits him. We might be amazed at the obtuseness of the disciples. As Jesus is obviously contemplating a crisis in his life, they have their minds set on an age-old agenda. They wonder who will get the most glory. “Am I missing something?” we can ask ourselves.

We likewise are amazed at much of what we see going on in the Church. Teens undergo a rigorous process to be confirmed, and then often simply leave church behind. Catholic mothers have live-in lovers. Veteran Catholics will miss a Sunday mass to have a day out with the family. Again, we ask, “Am I missing something?”

Jesus would answer, “No.” There is no justification for such practices. Just as he calls his disciples to serve one another like slaves, he intends that we sacrifice autonomy to achieve authenticity. Rather than autonomously doing what satisfies us, he wants us to authentically follow his teaching.