“But to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give
Mark 10:40
but is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
Reflection
As they travel to Jerusalem, Jesus tells the Twelve Apostles that he will be handed over and killed. James and John then approach him and ask to be seated at his right and left side in his kingdom. Jesus replies that those spots are not his to give, for they have been prepared for others. They should not lord their authority over others as the Gentiles do, for Jesus came to serve, not to be served.
James and John come to Jesus with what we might call a prayer. This is something we do frequently ourselves. Their prayer, to be seated by Jesus on his left and right, is not granted. They don’t truly understand the significance of what they are asking, and that is not God’s will for them. As such, Jesus essentially tells them no. When we experience an unanswered prayer, it can often be for similar reasons – our prayer might not be what we truly need or it is not in accord with God’s will.
It can be difficult to face a rejected prayer, but we must remember it is all for our greater good. Christ desires to sanctify us, and not all of our desires can achieve that. Instead of always praying for things we want, we can begin to develop the habit of praying for God’s will to be done. We can ask for the desire to carry out his will in all things, even if it is uncomfortable, difficult, or causes suffering. God knows best and desires the best for you – how can your prayer life reflect the Lord’s intentions?
Saint of the Day
St. Augustine of Canterbury: died AD 605
| “Grant what thou commandest and then command what thou wilt.” St. Augustine of Canterbury |
The Healing Word 