Reflection

20 & 21 October 2018

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 53:10-11

Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16

Gospel: Mark 10:35-45 

 

TOO MUCH INFORMATION!

There is a common expression: “Too much information!” We usually use it when people tell us details about their lives that we don’t want or need to know. Today, when James and John ask Jesus a simple question, making their request for places of honor in the kingdom, a simple answer might have been in order. Instead, as he often does, Jesus answers a question with a question; today it’s about drinking the cup of suffering. Then, once the others are indignant over James and John’s outrageous request, he proceeds to give them what may have been “too much information” for followers who were simply interested in the pursuit of glory. But this information, though it can sometimes seem “too much” for us, is essential for our lives as disciples. In Isaiah, in Hebrews, and in Mark today, we learn this information. It is in suffering, in weakness, in self-giving service to others, that we come to understand the kingdom. It is the information we need to find our place and come to be honored in the reign of God.

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