Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 17, 2021
“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 want me to do for you?’ ‘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?’... When the ten heard this they became indignant at James and John.”
We spend a lifetime trying to get ahead. At work we strive for a promotion, in school we work to learn and receive good grades, at home we want to make it nice for everyone, including ourselves. In each case there is some sacrifice for achievement. What about my spiritual life? Do I strive to grow in holiness, to ‘get ahead’ spiritually?
Like the ten, I too become indignant or jealous and envious. What is the remedy? When good things happen for others, make sure to rejoice with them, share the joy of their accomplishments, support them in their endeavors.
by Rev. William J. Reilly