-
March 8, 2023Jesus reminds us at the beginning of today’s Gospel passage and at the end, that he came to ransom many. I sit in the first pew on the right at Mass so that I can remove the distractions that threaten to take my mind from the sacrifice at hand. It might appear that I want to be first. In that regard, I am like the mother of James and John. Then I recall that "he who is first shall be last." I am cautious that the usher might approach me and ask that I move to the back since someone important has arrived to take the first seat. How embarrassing would that be? Deacon Stuart says laughingly that there is more grace in the first pew.
In this reading, the apostles see through the eyes of individuals. Two vie to be honored ahead of the others. Mine! Jesus uses an example about corrupt leaders. "It shall not be so among you." Fraternity! We work for the common good by serving as a fraternity of brothers and sisters. In this age of COVID, we have the opportunity, following a crisis, to work as a fraternity rather than as the rugged individualist that society promoted pre-pandemic. Lord, help us to realize the opportunity we have during Lent in 2023 to become a society of fraternity. Jesus fed all the people who followed him; that is less than we need to feed today, but our Lord asks us to see that all are fed, clothed, sheltered, and doctored.
This is why Jesus came. To ransom and to serve, not to be served.
