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We know that James and John were fishermen. These brothers were probably working long hours, up before dawn and making sure they could reap the benefits of their catch. They left it all to become close followers of Jesus of Nazareth.
“Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” A pretty bold request. When Jesus asks if they are prepared to be baptized as he is and drink the cup that he is to drink, they are still enthused. “We are able.” We know that the cup Jesus is to drink results in his torture and suffering. James and John were missing this. Their vision of glory was very unlike the labour-intensive life of fishermen.
As Christians, are we prepared to be the servant rather than the served? It is hard to rise to this calling. It requires that we become the last, not the first in line. We sometimes see ourselves as an exclusive bunch who are earning points for a prize. Jesus presents us with a different idea of success.
As we gather today to celebrate Jesus and receive him in the Eucharist, may we be mindful of the glory of being the servant, not the served. We join in prayer with grateful hearts for the gift of humility and the glory it brings.