Posted by The WORD in other words (2010) by Father Heinz Kulueke SVD – Cebu City
Wednesday 8th Week in Ordinary Time
The Gospel today is full of elements that invite reflection. Jesus speaks openly of what awaits Him in Jerusalem: “They will mock Him, spit upon Him, scourge Him, and put Him to death…” (Mark 10:34). The disciples, trembling with fear, may not have even heard the last and most important part: “…and after three days He will rise again.”
Yet in the midst of this solemn prediction, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, seize the moment to ask for places of honor. Their request angers the other disciples, but it also reveals something very human: who among us does not desire recognition, status, or privilege?
Jesus remains calm and teaches a fundamental truth about discipleship: “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” (Mark 10:43–45).
Being a Christian does not mean being spared from suffering or fear. It does not guarantee a place of honor in this life or the next. It means following the example of Jesus — learning to serve, even when it costs us.
As newly elected and re-elected leaders in the Philippines prepare to take office (2010), the relevance of Jesus’ message is clear. In a predominantly Christian nation, too many people still suffer unnecessarily when leaders forget the essentials of faith: humility, service, and care for the least. Leadership is not about privilege but about responsibility.
The Gospel challenges us to examine our own ambitions. Do we seek honor, or do we seek to serve? Jesus shows us the way: to give our lives in love, to serve rather than be served, and to trust that in service we find true greatness.
“Lord Jesus, teach me to serve with humility, to follow Your example, and to live not for honor but for love.”
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