TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Gospel: Mk 10: 35-45
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
DRINKING WITH CHRIST: When we drink with somebody, we share whatever is before us. Drinking with Christ means participating in what Christ is doing. Christ suffered, was crucified and died for the salvation of the human race. After his death, he rose and is now in his glory. To have a share in Christ’s glory, one has to follow the same path that Christ followed. One has to bravely face all the challenges which come on account of accepting to be a follower of Christ. James and John, the sons of Zebedee were ready to drink with Jesus by suffering for the Gospel (Mark 10:35-45). A person who is ready to accept the challenges, persecutions and any other form of suffering on account of being a follower of Christ, is drinking with Christ. This person will also cherish God’s reward when the right time comes.
PRAYER: Lord, may I have a share in the cup that you drank for my sake.
DAILY GOSPEL 