YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE ASKING FOR

XXIX SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Mark 10:35-45

During his journey to Jerusalem, the two brothers James and John approach Jesus with a request, sounding very arrogant, as if they could impose their demands on Jesus: “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” Showing patience with them, Jesus asked: “What is it you want me to do for you?”

And they were bold enough to put forward their proposal: “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” It is very clear what they were looking for: power, glory (status) and wealth. They wanted to guarantee their wellbeing with a high position, answerable only to Christ himself. They had realised that on their own they would never be able to get there. All politicians know that to get and keep power, they need to be propped up by somebody. Despite presenting themselves as strong and decisive, they are well aware that they depend on others to keep their power base. Maybe James and John were just trying their luck, seizing the opportunity or even trying to bribe Jesus. Power corrupts and, in the two brothers, we can already discover the fruits of corruption.

In his answer, Jesus makes it immediately clear that he cannot be deceived: “You don’t know what you are asking for.” So many times we ask for the wrong things because we have the wrong priorities and choose the wrong path. Power, fame and wealth don’t bring happiness. Instead of peace, they cast the seeds of violence and war. And that becomes clear, when, following the request of the two brothers, the apostles started quarrelling among themselves. All wanted the same and all were ready to fight to get power, fame and wealth.

To James and John and then to the others as well, Jesus presents himself as the role model. His way is the only way that leads us to happiness, peace and fulfilment. He “did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” And he asks James and John if they are ready to walk along his way: “Can you drink the cup that I must drink, or be baptised with the baptism with which I must be baptised?” If they do that, their request about the first seats will become meaningless, since they will realize that service is the only way to make life meaningful.