Lenten reflection 14: Discipleship

15 March 2017

Discipleship

Today's Gospel reading shows the ambitious mother of the sons of Zebedee, asking Jesus what she thought was best for her sons... honor and power in his kingdom, much to the anger of the other disciples. But Jesus summoned them and help them to see the real meaning of discipleship when he says: "whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first, shall be your slave."  In short, to let go of oneself and to serve the good of others; to be obedient to God and aspire to do only His will. Just as he himself, "the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve." (Mt 20:17-28)    

Is it wrong to be ambitious? Yes and no. Yes, if it is for selfish reasons and at the expense of others. It was ambition that made the scribes and Pharisees see Jesus as a threat to their position and authority; ambition and fear that made them plot against Jesus and ultimately put him to death.   

No, because it can be a driving force for us to do good. Power and status can be used as a tool to help others, in line with the principle of love that Jesus advocated and which should define our path in life. Jesus is asking his disciples (and us) to see our lives differently, to let go of our self-interest and think more of others. As St Francis put it in his simple prayer...for it is in giving that we receive... 

                       Love now becomes concern and care for the other. 
                       No longer is it self-seeking, a sinking in the 
                       intoxication of happiness; instead it seeks the 
                       good of the beloved: it becomes renunciation,
                       and it is readily, and even willing for sacrifice.

                                                     - Pope Benedict XVI -