Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Dionisio Miranda SVD – Catholic Trade Manila
Wednesday 2nd Week of Lent
The phrase fin de siècle — the end of an era — reminds us that transitions are both moments of promise and of threat. They can bring new life or lead to collapse. In today’s readings, we see Jesus and His disciples facing such a turning point.
Jesus knew that going to Jerusalem meant confrontation. The disciples debated whether it was safe or wise, but the die was cast. He calmly foretold what was to come — suffering, rejection, and death — outcomes anyone could foresee in the hostile climate of the capital.
The pro-Jesus and anti-Jesus factions were heading toward decisive conflict. People were positioning themselves for the “new regime.” Even the mother of James and John, Madame Zebedee, lobbied for her sons to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand (cf. Matthew 20:20–23).
Jesus, ever the realist, reminded them of the cost: “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” The other ten were indignant, not because of principle, but because their own ambitions had been outmaneuvered. Jesus addressed their anger by recalling them to the heart of His mission: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
Today’s Gospel is about more than political regime change. It is about the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry — His giving of His life. But “regime end” also speaks to personal transitions: moving from one stage of life to another, moments that define us irreversibly.
At such times, the Christian is invited not to position himself or herself for advantage, but to consciously align with Jesus. The question is not, “What benefit will I gain?” but rather, “Will I stand with Christ in the future that unfolds?”
Application
- Life transitions — career changes, family struggles, aging, or loss — are our “Jerusalem moments.”
- In these times, we must choose whether to cling to ambition, fear, or self-interest, or to align ourselves with Christ’s way of service and sacrifice.
- Lent is precisely this season of alignment: letting go of illusions of power and embracing the cross.
The true “regime end” is not the collapse of institutions but the surrender of self to Christ. The courageous disciple is the one who can face transitions with faith, trusting that even endings can be beginnings in God’s plan.
“Lord Jesus, in the transitions of my life, help me to align myself with You. Teach me to serve rather than to seek advantage, and to trust that every ending in You is the beginning of new life.”
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