The desire for power, positions, wealth, and glory are part of human life. The Gospel presents us with a dispute between the 12 apostles. Two brothers, James and John, conspire against the rest of the group, showing selfish interests. They ask Jesus for the best positions he will soon establish in the Kingdom.

Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem and has even talked about his death several times. While speaking to them about his passion and death, Jesus told them: “But on the third day, I will rise again.” Maybe that was the only part that stuck in the apostles’ minds, and they didn’t record everything He talked about in their memories, like the sufferings and his death. They believe that their “Miracle Worker” master will establish his kingdom soon. They have dreams of glory. The lust for power and the aspiration to occupy positions of honor are deeply rooted in human beings, and James and John are no strangers to that.

The desire for power, position, and glory is not the benchmark of a disciple of Jesus. That is just something that gentiles seek and long for. If we use this as a measure to identify a disciple of Jesus, we Christians may have to do a great examination of conscience to find out if we are disciples or pagans. Jesus further clarifies this rule by citing his own life example: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

I don’t know if you have noticed, but have you seen how the majority of politicians around the world use the word “service” in their campaigns to appeal to their electorate? They all say that they want to be servants of the people and be elected to serve. But when they are elected, who do they actually serve? That should never be the way of the Church. The people who work in the Church (clergy and laity) or the faithful community must all have the ambition to serve each other and, in this way, serve God. That was the way of Jesus, and that is the way of the Church yesterday, today, and always.

Serving is the “career” of the Christian. He who serves is available to everyone, understands the weaknesses of others, and sees his or her own weaknesses in themselves. Serving is often painful, but only those who can sacrifice themselves for others and not run away from difficulties have something to contribute to the world. He who serves accepts to be like a seed that dies to give life. Let’s ask Jesus to help us serve like He served others.

May the Lord always give you His peace.

Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM
Pastor, Mission San Luis Rey Parish

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