​First Sunday after the feast of the cross
Gospel Mark 10:35-45

Reflection 1

The way of Jesus
In this story, the twelve and particularly James and John failed to understand Jesus’ message and were still focused on their own recognition and power.
We should not be surprised to see the disciples thirsting for power and position. Their request brings to light our natural desires to be approved of and rewarded in worldly terms.
Even among good and well-intentioned people, the temptation of pride, recognition and self-importance is always present.
In this gospel, Jesus gave us one of the keys to greatness. “The greatest among you must be your servant.” Being a servant means that we put others before ourselves. We elevate their needs rather than trying to get them to be attentive to our needs. We need practically to put others before us and the choice to put others first should be out of true love because we were made for love and service. This is the way of Jesus and we know it is difficult to do.
We ask God to open our minds so that we can think, act like Him and follow His way. 
 
The Cup in the Bible 
The cup is an important image used throughout the Bible. It is an image of life and suffering and death. 
In the Psalms and in Jeremiah: we read about the cup of wrath and suffering, but also in Psalms, we read about the cup of joy and happiness.  
During the Passover meal: the tradition was to leave a cup of wine on the table that no one was allowed to touch because it was for the prophet Elijah when he returns.  
At the Last Supper: Jesus drank from the cup, and then said, “This is the cup of my blood. Take it and drink.”  
In the Garden of Gethsemane: Jesus said, “Lord, let this cup pass me by.”  
 
As Christians, we should not be afraid to drink the cup of Christ. This means that we should share his life, his pain and his death. It also means serving in humility and silence without waiting for glory, recognition and rewards.  
 
A thought for the week
We are not better than the disciples are and their desire lies behind many of our prayers.
 
Lord Jesus, grant us the grace to embrace the crosses in our lives; the crosses of pain and suffering, of poverty and despair, of loneliness and depression, of sorrow and grief. As the cross is a sure sign of risen glory, may we see the crosses in our lives as invitations to resurrection, trust and hope in your power. Amen. Gwen Simon