29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
October 19, 2003
by Paul Rooney
Q. 237: So what's wrong with James and John asking their good friend Jesus for a special favor of positions of "prestige" in his coming kingdom (Mk 10:35-45)?
A. 237: I think everyone has seen the TV game show called "Let's Make A Deal." The host (Monty Hall) would ask a contestant to choose a gift hidden behind each of three doors or curtains. Two of the gifts are worthless gag gifts; the third is a prize of great value, such as a brand new car. When you pick a door, the emcee will then show you a gag gift behind one of the two remaining doors, and you are given a chance to "stay" with your first, still undisclosed choice, or "switch" to the other remaining door. It is time to "make the deal."
James and John were trying to make a quick "deal" to beat out the other "contestants" (i.e., the other apostles, who become quite indignant - probably because they didn't think of the idea first). But Jesus says "no way, Jose; no deals." There are no short cuts; everyone is valued equally in the kingdom of God. However, he does tell them of what "greatness" consists in his kingdom, and how everyone can be "first" - by serving others, not by lording it over them!
Jesus is really inviting them to imitate him, because his is a life of total service, a total self-giving on behalf of others. Just look at a crucifix, to see the price that he chose to pay to "make the deal" on our behalf, to gain our salvation for us! His Father accepted that offering, and it opened the doors to heaven to each one of us. Now we are called to respond to his free gift of salvation. He has shown us which "door" has the priceless gift, salvation - it even has the name "Jesus" on it, so that we can't make a mistake! The way through that door is by loving everyone, and serving everyone.
Know Your Catechism! Christ made himself the "deacon" or servant of all, and ordained deacons try to be a visible reminder that all Christians by virtue of their baptism are called to Serve like Jesus (CCC #1570). The laity are also called to serve the ecclesial community (CCC #910), to serve other creatures (CCC #340), and to serve life itself (CCC #1653).
Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha
(Return to INDEX page of "Didja Know?" series)
(Go back to Deacon Paul's HOME PAGE)
