Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Worldly wisdom suggests we should ‘win at all costs.’ We see it in our media, in our politics and in our society. Yet does this philosophy reflect a Christian perspective? Christianity considers the process of arriving at one’s goal just as important as the goal itself. So if achieving one’s goal means that people will be undermined, hurt or belittled, then the process or goal is likely not Christian at all.
Consider then the statement of James and John to Jesus in today’s gospel. “We want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” Do our own prayers sound like this occasionally? “Lord, this is what I need…” or “Lord, my will be done.” Yet do we know what we are asking? In a capitalist culture we are used to getting that for which we have paid. Indeed, we expect it. Often we want our faith to follow the same formula. If we pray or work hard enough or if we are generous enough, then we will be repaid.
And indeed our ransom has been paid in full by the ‘spotless unblemished Lamb’. Jesus became the scapegoat who bore our sin so that through his sacrifice we are made clean. His sacrifice has caused the angel of death to Passover us. Jesus’s love for us and his obedience to the will of the Father, allowed that He who was great, became our servant. Jesus came to bear our sin on a cross, to die and three days later to rise, so that we might have life with him in paradise.
Thus we are reminded today to not seek that which fades, like flowers, fame or fortune. Instead we are encouraged to remain forever in the love of the Lord who has already paid the price for us. Jesus and Peter both remind us of the ways to remain in the Lord. We need die to self; we need leave behind our futile behavior. We need to live and abide in the Word of God so that our hearts will remain pure. In doing these things our hearts will be pure so that we can intensely love one another and stay true to the one who summons us.
Lord, help us always to follow your example of humble service. Support us in our walk Lord, so that when we are confronted with futile conduct or suffering, we remember that the ransom has already been paid. Transform our vision so that we understand that suffering is sometimes part of the journey we call discipleship. Let this paradox of the ‘suffering servant’ empower us to glorify the Lord with our lives. Amen!
- Deacon Michael Montgomery