Serve someone

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary touch both the deep authenticity of the love possible in human affairs and the desire which remains within us to ensure our success and the adoption of our way of doing things, even by God. The historical record around the missionary journey of Paul through the Greek cities is reviewed by C Aherne and it presents the story of the many battles through which Paul was psychologically and physically attacked by opponents as he preached the Good News. At the time of the writing of the letters to the Corinthians, Paul is revealing that the persistent service of the Word and the frequent sacrifice of self to serve the needs of others is presenting a significant truth which holds true today that action in service opens the door for people to hear our message. The communities which grow as a result of the example of Paul are being drawn for the most part not from the philosophers and advantaged but from those who live with uncertainty and reliance on Providence.  The story told by Chris Duffy SJ today provides witness to the power of deeply giving of self. Jesus has to deal with the desire of two of the “great Apostles”, James and John, to have, as explained by Friar Jude Winkler, the inheritance as leaders of the group after Jesus dies!. Friar Jude notes the the Gospel today from Matthew puts this request in the mouth of the mother of James and John, but it is more likely that the account of Mark, in which the Apostles speak for themselve is more realistic. The more we are able to place ourselves in the service of others and not be insistent upon doing it our way, ironically the more our message in love will be conveyed.