Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent, March 8, 2023
(Jeremiah 18:18-20; Matthew 20:17-28)
Chicago’s first “Mayor Daley,” Richard J., achieved a
reputation for political know-how. Once
he was criticized for asking a judge to appoint his son as a trustee in a class
action lawsuit. The appointment meant a
hefty financial reward. Daley told his
critics, “If a man can’t put his arms around his sons, and give them
a hand, then what kind of world are we living in?”” No doubt, the mother of
James and John asked Jesus to help her sons in today’s gospel with the same sentiment.
The woman expresses faith in Jesus when she makes her
request. Jesus takes no offense when she makes the appeal. What bothers him, however, is the concern for
high places, not just of the brothers but of all his disciples. He proceeds to insist that leaders in his
church must concern themselves with service.
There is nothing wrong with a desire to be
recognized and respected for doing what is right. But when our goal is simply to be praised, we
are liable to betray our purpose. As
Jesus gave his life to free us from sin and death, we should work for the benefit
of others. Because Church leaders preach
Jesus, they should serve with exceptional diligence.
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