The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons
Matthew 20:20
and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something.
Reflection
The mother of James and John asks Jesus if her sons can sit at the right and left side of Jesus in his Kingdom. Jesus replies that she does not know what she is asking, and tells them they will drink Jesus’ chalice, but the places at his side have already been prepared by his heavenly Father. The other disciples become angry when they hear of this, but Jesus tells them that whoever wishes to be great among them will be a servant instead, for the Son of Man came to serve, not to be served.
James’ and John’s mother wanted what was best for her children. She thought it would be best to be seated by Jesus in his Kingdom, close at hand. Her desire was good, but the way in which she wanted it accomplished was not aligned with Christ’s will. We, too, can have desires that we express to God. He wants to give us the desires of our hearts if it is good for us.
Sometimes, we wish for our dreams to be accomplished in a particular way, only to discover that Jesus is calling us in another, more perfect way. Do not be discouraged to pray and tell our Lord what you desire in life. Have an open heart and mind to how he wants to accomplish it, for his is the best way and will lead you down a path of holiness and love.
Saint of the Day
St. James the Apostle: 1st century AD
| About that time King Herod laid hands upon some members of the church to harm them. He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword. Acts of the Apostles 12:1-2 |
The Healing Word 