"THE CUP OF SUFFERING"

Reading: Mark 10:32-45

Today’s gospel is similar to yesterday’s when Peter asked what they were going to get out of following Jesus. James and John, or was it their mother, asked Jesus if they could sit next to him when he came into his kingdom. Those who sit next to a king usually share in some of the king’s power. James and John were interested in having some of that power when their friend Jesus would come into his kingdom. We’d all probably enjoy some power. How would you like to be pope or president for a day? Some people dream of being in control of the family TV for just one night.

The answer Jesus gave to James and John’s request is one we might not care to hear. In short he told them, “If you want the gain, you will have to share the pain.” The kingdom of heaven is not something that is handed to anyone on a silver platter. Jesus himself suffered and died to obtain it. And anyone else who wishes to join him there will also have some suffering and dying to do. Jesus told James and John:

“You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup I shall drink of, or be baptized in the same bath of pain as I?” “We can,” they answered in unison. Sounds sort of like when in unison we reject Satan and choose Christ as we renew our baptismal promises on Easter. Do we really know what we are doing? Time lets us find out, as it did for James and John.

They went ahead and did their best to live their lives as Jesus told them and as they had promised. We can be sure they don’t regret it. If those two young, somewhat naive, and certainly very inexperienced men could do it, so can we. With Christ we can face anything in our futures. But I should not presume to make that commitment for anybody but myself. What do you say? Are you with me?