The Request of James and John

The desire to be “first” is well ingrained in our culture. Perhaps, like James and John in the Gospel from today’s Roman Catholic Lectionary, we desire to be in the company of the “winner”. We naturally want to be part of the entourage which is celebrating an accomplishment. It is not surprising that we find Jesus reversing this human desire. He calls James and John to consider more deeply what they are requesting. He welcomes them to share His anointing and the life that the Father has willed for Him. It will not be a life of personal aggrandizement. The Life will allow His followers, then and now, to reduce their egos and serve. The fruit of the spirit of the servant is the discovery of our infinite identity as child of the Father.
As servants we will have our egos, our agendas, our persons and bodies purified through frustrations, failures and real sufferings. In this world, the good will be confronted with opposition. The servant will be suspected, rejected and in many cases, silenced. Can I drink the “cup” of my baptismal identity? The more I allow Jesus to serve me in His many ways, the more likely I will live because I have drunk that “cup” of who He has said I am.
(Gillick, 2009)

Bibliography
Gillick, L. S. (2009, Oct 18). Daily Reflection. Retrieved Oct 18, 2009, from Creighton University's Online Ministries: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/101809.html