The Story of the Disciples James’ and John’s Ambitious Petition to Jesus & Its Lesson for Us!

The Story of the Disciples James’ and John’s Ambitious Petition to Jesus . . . and The Lesson for Our Spiritual Life In today’s readings we have a number of complex messages. In the first reading (not included within this audio) we hear from the prophet Jeremiah, who will be like the Lord and persecuted and made to suffer. Like Jesus, the opponents of Jeremiah are interested in writing down everything he says. They do so not to learn from him, but rather so they may persecute him. Hear more within the Homily. The community had hardened hearts. They picked and chose what to listen to, and even rid themselves of difficult prophets, because there was always another prophet more to their liking. Hear more in the Homily. Jesus came to save the world, but the world largely rejects Him. What a remarkable parallel story that we hear. Listen more within the Homily and why it is important, especially during this Lenten Season. Today’s Gospel is very challenging, especially for those who call themselves Christians and disciples of Jesus. The setting of this reading is very important. The Gospel speaks about one of the last things that happen before Jesus enters The Holy City on Psalm Sunday. It is a time, similar to now, where we are moving toward the Holy Days. As the Lord moves toward the Holy City, Jesus stops and calls His disciples aside. Not everyone. Just His disciples. As they are about to enter the Holy City, the Lord wants His disciples to be well formed and well prepared for what is about to happen. Jesus tells His disciples where they are going, and when they get there, certain things will take place. Jesus will be arrested, condemned, handed over and put to death. And then I (Jesus) will rise. He gives His disciples a final instruction in the Word of The Cross. The Word that is the key to understanding who the Lord is . . . without The Cross there is no understanding of Jesus Christ. Then something happens. It’s what all of us in this present age must pay attention. Jesus, in a sense, is giving a retreat or private conference to His disciples. He is opening their hearts to what is about to happen, so they can understand fully these events. But just like what often happens in our own spiritual life, our prayer gets hijacked. In this case, the mother of James and John shows up. She was not invited. The mother is the uninvited guest. She falls to her knees and has a petition. On the face of it . . . this looks like prayer. Listen to the story of James’ and John’s request (through their mother). At the very time Jesus is speaking about the Word of The Cross, there is a request that implies what do I get out of it . . . from the mother. The Lord has to do damage control, as He looks at the mother and her two sons. Hear the story of James’ and John’s Ambitious Petition to Jesus . . . and Its Lesson for Our Spiritual Life.