To read the texts, click on the texts: Sir 36:1,4-5, 10-17; Mk 10:32-45
In this pericope Jesus predicts for the
third and final time that he is to suffer and die and be raised (10,32-34). It
is the most detailed of all the three. Here too, like in the case of the two
previous Passion and resurrection predictions there is a misunderstanding. This
time it is on the part of James and John who want places of honour in the
kingdom. In response to Jesus’ question of whether they are able to drink the
cup that he must drink and be baptised in the baptism with which he must be
baptised, they say that they are able. Jesus promises that they will indeed
drink the cup and undergo the baptism, but cannot he cannot determine the
position of places in the kingdom. That role is left only to the Father.
The other disciples who become agitated
with the request of the brothers are in the same boat as they are, and once
again Jesus has to teach them the way of the kingdom. Only those willing to
serve others can hope to have a place of honour in the kingdom. The last verse
of this section points to the Son of man who has come to show the way to the
kingdom through his service.
The attitude of the ten towards James
and John may be termed as confrontation. This often happens when one desires
what the other person is striving for and so feels jealous and envious of the
other. It also leads to backbiting and thinking ill of the other like the ten
did in the case of James and John. An alternative to confrontation is the
attitude of “care-frontation” which would involve challenging the other person
to rise above trifles and that, which is not necessary. It arises out of a
genuine concern for the good of the person.
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