Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
With Easter now behind us, we are into Ordinary Time. The challenge before us is to appreciate that there is nothing ordinary about being a disciple. Discipleship by definition means living as a “radical follower of Christ,” that is one who is “rooted” in the Lord.
Although people romanticize that following Jesus would be easier if they lived at during his time, today’s gospel shows otherwise. The apostles James and John ask for a wish. Like James and John, we often pray as if Jesus were a genie that could magically grant our wish. Wishes are allowed to be offered in prayer, as long as we understand that a wish is our wish, and that “God’s will” may differ from our own.
John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Kennedy’s challenge was a call to serve one another as we serve God. His call echoed Jesus’ call in today’s gospel. God created us for his purpose, not vice versa. We must ask ourselves, “What is God’s purpose for me?” And “how am I living out that purpose?”
Jesus came into the world to be put to death and to rise again on the third day. His purpose was to be the final sacrificial Lamb who gave his life in “ransom” for our lives. Yet it is just as important that we recognize that Jesus came to show us our purpose. Today’s readings give us clarity in understanding that our purpose must be to live as Jesus did. We must strive to be servants who live and abide in the word of God.
Consider your own expectations of God. Sincerely reflect on the purity of your heart and the intensity with which you serve God by loving one another. With openness, let us pray that God helps us make the changes he needs in order that we become better servant disciples. Then with gratitude, praise the Lord who blessed you and made you for a purpose!
- Michael Montgomery