Ambition for Service

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, proclaim our mission to live in mutual love with the people in our environment.

Care in Service

The Reading from the First Letter of Peter proclaims Mutual Love of Christians.

* [1:19] Christians have received the redemption prophesied by Isaiah (Is 52:3), through the blood (Jewish symbol of life) of the spotless lamb (Is 53:7, 10; Jn 1:29; Rom 3:24–25; cf. 1 Cor 6:20).

* [1:22–25] The new birth of Christians (1 Pt 1:23) derives from Christ, the imperishable seed or sowing that produces a new and lasting existence in those who accept the gospel (1 Pt 1:24–25), with the consequent duty of loving one another (1 Pt 1:22).

* [1:23] The living and abiding word of God: or, “the word of the living and abiding God.” (1 Peter, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 147 exhorts the holy city to recognize it has been re-created.

* [Psalm 147] The hymn is divided into three sections by the calls to praise in Ps 147:1, 7, 12. The first section praises the powerful creator who restores exiled Judah (Ps 147:1–6); the second section, the creator who provides food to animals and human beings; the third and climactic section exhorts the holy city to recognize it has been re-created and made the place of disclosure for God’s word, a word as life-giving as water. (Psalms, PSALM 147 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus presents a Third Prediction of the Passion and notes the Ambition of James and John.

* [10:38–40] Can you drink the cup…I am baptized?: the metaphor of drinking the cup is used in the Old Testament to refer to acceptance of the destiny assigned by God; see note on Ps 11:6. In Jesus’ case, this involves divine judgment on sin that Jesus the innocent one is to expiate on behalf of the guilty (Mk 14:24; Is 53:5). His baptism is to be his crucifixion and death for the salvation of the human race; cf. Lk 12:50. The request of James and John for a share in the glory (Mk 10:35–37) must of necessity involve a share in Jesus’ sufferings, the endurance of tribulation and suffering for the gospel (Mk 10:39). The authority of assigning places of honor in the kingdom is reserved to God (Mk 10:40).

* [10:42–45] Whatever authority is to be exercised by the disciples must, like that of Jesus, be rendered as service to others (Mk 10:45) rather than for personal aggrandizement (Mk 10:42–44). The service of Jesus is his passion and death for the sins of the human race (Mk 10:45); cf. Mk 14:24; Is 53:11–12; Mt 26:28; Lk 22:19–20. (Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Edward Morse comments that, in today’s gospel, we see that even the apostles behaved selfishly and badly. Even though they lived with Jesus and heard his teachings, this intimate knowledge did not prevent them from seeking after their own glory at the expense of others.

This divine mystery was not yet known to them. But it has been made known to us. Does that knowledge have the potential to change the way we see ourselves and others? Even those we find difficult to love?

As we journey on toward our eternal destiny, we are accompanied by these mysteries. Let us draw hope and strength for the journey, even though we do not understand them fully. Perhaps for now it is enough to know that we are deeply loved, even when we struggle to love others, who are also deeply loved by God. And perhaps grace and mercy will be nearby, helping us to love more fully, as we ought. Thanks be to God. (Morse, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 10:32-45 comments that, at first glance, being a “servant” doesn’t usually seem appealing. It’s only when we remember how much Jesus loves us that our hearts begin to soften. It’s as we recall that we were created to give him glory by reflecting his own generosity and kindness. The simple truth is that the more we give of ourselves, the more Christlike we become. We grow in holiness. We become more peaceful, more contented, and even more joyful!

Probably the best way to look at our call to serve is to look at Jesus. He is the perfect model of what a life of service looks like. We can ask him, “How can I serve you today, Lord?” If the opportunities before you seem mundane—like making a meal for your family or taking an elderly parent to a doctor’s appointment—remember Jesus’ great promise: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Every opportunity to care for someone else is another opportunity to meet Jesus!

“Lord, help me desire to serve you and your people above all else!” (Meditation on Mark 10:32-45, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the passage today is in tenor with 1 Peter yesterday that presents the ransom by the blood of Christ as God’s plan from the beginning and we are called to live godly lives and dedicate ourselves to brotherly love as the text notes that all flesh is grass as a symbol of our limited life. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus predicts His Passion in Chapters 8, 9, and 10. He presents the image of  the Son of Man from Daniel 7 who has authority over all the nations and the Suffering Servant from the poems in Isaiah that define the mission of Jesus. James and John ask to sit on His right and left as they talk about inheritance and when Jesus speaks of death. They claim to be willing to take up their crosses. Friar Jude reminds us that Jesus declares the Son of Man came to serve and not be served. We are called die in our ministry, a bit each day, to our selfishness to serve those who most need God’s love.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, envisions the Holy Spirit as the loving immensity of God’s presence within us. Consciousness, the soul, love, the Holy Spirit, on both the individual and shared levels, have sadly become largely unconscious! No wonder some call the Holy Spirit the “missing person” of the Blessed Trinity. No wonder we try to fill this radical disconnectedness through various addictions.

There is an Inner Reminder, an Inner Rememberer, (see John 14:26, 16:4) who holds together all the disparate and fragmented parts of our lives, fills in all the gaps, owns all the mistakes, forgives all the failures, and loves us into an ever-deeper life. This is the job description of the Holy Spirit, who is the spring that wells up within us (John 7:38–39)—and unto eternal time. This is the breath that warms and renews everything (John 20:22). These are the eyes that see beyond the momentary shadow and disguise of things (John 9); these are the tears that wash and cleanse the past (Matthew 5:4). And better yet, they are not only our tears but are actually the very presence and consolation of God within us (2 Corinthians 1:3–5).

You must contact this Immensity! You must look back at your life from the place of this Immensity. You must know that this Immensity is already within you. The only thing separating you from such Immensity is the ego’s unwillingness to trust such an utterly free grace, such a completely unmerited gift. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We recognize our need for the inspiration and guidance of the Spirit as we proclaim our desire to work with Jesus in the mission to serve with love in our environment.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/10?32 

Meditation on Mark 10:32-45. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/26/1578480/ 

Morse, E. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-27-2026 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/1?18 

Psalms, PSALM 147 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/147?12 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Spirit Is Always with Us. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-spirit-is-always-with-us/ 

Sin Pardon and Temptation

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today warn of the danger of self-serving actions to separate ourselves from the invitation to life from God and the fellowship of our friends and family.

Power and Privilege

The reading from the Book of Genesis describes the First Sin and Its Punishment.

* [3:1] Cunning: there is a play on the words for “naked” (2:25) and “cunning/wise” (Heb. ‘arum). The couple seek to be “wise” but end up knowing that they are “naked.”

* [3:5] Like gods, who know: or “like God who knows.” (Genesis, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)

Psalm 51 is a prayer for Cleansing and Pardon.

* [Psalm 51] A lament, the most famous of the seven Penitential Psalms, prays for the removal of the personal and social disorders that sin has brought. The poem has two parts of approximately equal length: Ps 51:3–10 and Ps 51:11–19, and a conclusion in Ps 51:20–21. The two parts interlock by repetition of “blot out” in the first verse of each section (Ps 51:3, 11), of “wash (away)” just after the first verse of each section (Ps 51:4) and just before the last verse (Ps 51:9) of the first section, and of “heart,” “God,” and “spirit” in Ps 51:12, 19. (Psalms, PSALM 51, n.d.)

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans contrasts Adam and Christ.

* [5:12–21] Paul reflects on the sin of Adam (Gn 3:1–13) in the light of the redemptive mystery of Christ. Sin, as used in the singular by Paul, refers to the dreadful power that has gripped humanity, which is now in revolt against the Creator and engaged in the exaltation of its own desires and interests. But no one has a right to say, “Adam made me do it,” for all are culpable (Rom 5:12): Gentiles under the demands of the law written in their hearts (Rom 2:14–15), and Jews under the Mosaic covenant. Through the Old Testament law, the sinfulness of humanity that was operative from the beginning (Rom 5:13) found further stimulation, with the result that sins were generated in even greater abundance. According to Rom 5:15–21, God’s act in Christ is in total contrast to the disastrous effects of the virus of sin that invaded humanity through Adam’s crime.

* [5:12] Inasmuch as all sinned: others translate “because all sinned,” and understand v 13 as a parenthetical remark. Unlike Wis 2:24, Paul does not ascribe the entry of death to the devil.

* [5:20] The law entered in: sin had made its entrance (12); now the law comes in alongside sin. See notes on Rom 1:18–32; 5:12–21. Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more: Paul declares that grace outmatches the productivity of sin. (Romans, CHAPTER 5, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew describes the Temptation of Jesus in the desert.

* [4:1–11] Jesus, proclaimed Son of God at his baptism, is subjected to a triple temptation. Obedience to the Father is a characteristic of true sonship, and Jesus is tempted by the devil to rebel against God, overtly in the third case, more subtly in the first two. Each refusal of Jesus is expressed in language taken from the Book of Deuteronomy (Dt 8:3; 6:13, 16). The testings of Jesus resemble those of Israel during the wandering in the desert and later in Canaan, and the victory of Jesus, the true Israel and the true Son, contrasts with the failure of the ancient and disobedient “son,” the old Israel. In the temptation account Matthew is almost identical with Luke; both seem to have drawn upon the same source. (Matthew, CHAPTER 4, n.d.)

Susan Naatz comments that the church in her wisdom has been preparing us for Lent the past few weeks with readings from Genesis describing our creation and gospel passages which encourage us to be salt and light for the world.  God’s great love has created us, and God has expectations about how to live life well. But it will not be perfect.

Is God calling an audible in our life and are we ready to listen?  Lent is a powerful time for us to lengthen our relationship with God, self, and others.  Lent is an invitation to focus on prayer, fasting, being salt and light for others and taking time to examine any places where we may have fallen away from God. It’s an opportunity for new life and in the words of today’s psalm we pray, A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. 

Let’s not miss the audibles. (Naatz, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “On the Snare of the Devil,” by Ambrose, 339-397 A.D.

"The devil said to Jesus: 'If you are the son of God, command that these stones become bread' (Luke 4:3). Here we learn that there are three principal weapons that the devil likes to carry in order to wound our souls. They are gluttony, arrogance and ambition. Here begins the weapon with which he has already been victorious. We likewise should begin to be victorious in Christ in the very same area in which we have been defeated in Adam - we should be wary of gluttony. The devious trap is set for us when the table is laid for a royal banquet - it is bound to weaken our defences.

"See what weapons Christ uses to defeat the power of the devil. He does not use the almighty power he has as God - what help would that be to us? In his humanity he summons the help common to all - overlooking bodily hunger and seeking the word of God for nourishment.

"Whoever follows the Word is no longer attached to earthly bread, because he receives the bread of heaven and knows the divine is better than the human, the spiritual is better than the physical. Therefore, because such a person desires the true life, he looks for that which fortifies the heart by means of its invisible substance." (excerpt from On the Gospel of St. Luke, 4, 17) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 comments that this is the temptation that has always plagued humanity. Like gods, we want to be in control. We want to decide what’s right and wrong. We want the power, honor, and glory that belong only to the Lord.

This Lent, ask the Spirit to help you recognize where you are being tempted to rebel against God. It may be something subtle, like persisting in a bad habit. Or it may be something more obvious, like resisting God’s will in a difficult situation.

Don’t get discouraged if you see signs of rebellion. Instead, let the words of St. Paul in today’s second reading encourage you: through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have all received an “abundance of grace” (Romans 5:17). That grace can help you overcome any temptation—including the temptation to be your own god! This Lent, just keep asking for God’s grace, and trust that it will never run out.

“Jesus, give me the grace to submit to you in all things.” (Meditation on Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that before encountering the serpent, Eve has already considered the forbidden tree as shown by her exaggeration of the prohibition. Paul contrasts sin and grace and the compassion of God that refuses retaliation. Jesus resists the temptation to use His Power in a self serving manner. Friar Jude notes the different ending of Matthew in a mountain and Luke at the Temple.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, considers the Desert Mystics foundational contributors to his lineage of faith. Early Christianity set the foundation for what we would now call contemplation. Both Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen recognized the importance of this early, desert form of Christianity. It is a unique window into how Jesus was first understood, before the church became an imperial, highly organized, competitive religion. Eastern Orthodox theologian John Chryssavgis writes of the powerful stories shared by desert Christians in their spiritual teaching.

The Fathers and Mothers who lived in the desert of Egypt remind us of the importance of story-telling, which we have for the most part forgotten in our age. Listening to their stories and sayings, meditating on them in silence and subsequently telling them to others, helped our ancestors to live humanely, to be more human, to remain truly alive.… The stories from the Egyptian desert are more than just a part of the Christian past. They are a part of our human heritage: they communicate eternal values, spiritual truths. Theirs is a silence of the deep heart and of intense prayer, a silence that cuts through centuries and cultures. We should stop to hear that heartbeat. [1] (Rohr, 2023)

The Spirit reminds us that our imperfection is counterbalanced by the continuous love of God as we confront the daily temptations to place self interest above fullness of life.

References

Genesis, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3 

Matthew, CHAPTER 4. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/4?1 

Meditation on Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/02/26/618553/ 

Naatz, S. (2023, February 25). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/022623.html 

Psalms, PSALM 51. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/51?3 

Rohr, R. (2023, February 26). The Wise Storytellers — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-wise-storytellers-2023-02-26/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 5. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/5?12 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Fasted and Was Tempted by the Devil. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=feb26