Isaiah 53:10-11 Hebrews 4:14-16 Mark 10:35-45
Once, many years ago, as I was tucking into bed my “night owl” of a granddaughter, she mumbled that she wished she was a grown-up and could stay up as late as she wanted. Ha! What she did not know then, but I reckon she has learned by now, is that “adulting” is not just a case of being able to stay up late and do everything you want. With age you require responsibilities. There are bills to be paid, people who count on you, chores to be done.
In today's gospel James and John approach Jesus with similar short sightedness. They ask for prime spots next to Jesus when he comes into his glory. What they get from Jesus is a wake up call. Before the glory comes the tough stuff, "the cup” that Jesus will drink.
This angling for recognition generates some dissension in the ranks when the other apostles become aware of the request James and John have made. The scripture says "they became indignant at James and John. “ ( I'll just bet they did!)
Jesus gives them all a reality check. Greatness does not lie in power and the perks of authority. "Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. “
This definition of greatness by Jesus is particularly timely for us right now as we stand on the brink of our own very adult activity: casting our vote at the ballot box.
Our bishops remind us that participation in civic life is our right and responsibility, that voting is an exercise of faithful citizenship. And that properly forming our conscience in order to vote responsibly is something we as adults are called to do.
Conscience formation is a process, a process that relies on prayer, scripture, church teaching, educating oneself. It requires prudential weighing of alternatives and can never be collapsed into simply "doing what one is told "… by anyone… for, certainly, that is not adult behavior.
While we will never find the perfect candidate to support, we must form our conscience with the information that is available to us. Today's gospel lesson, that “whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant, “, is certainly a good place to start.
Good questions to ask of candidates seeking public office might be: "What seems to be this person's orientation toward authority and power? What are his/her policies with regard to the common good, especially the most vulnerable, …the poor, the unborn, the migrant?… for certainly these, who have no power of their own, are the focus of a servant leader. What are his/her policies with regard to care for creation, a theme of Pope Francis’ teaching?
Finally, what can we know about the character of this candidate with regard to the theological virtues of faith, hope and love and the cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude, along with honesty.
Wrestling with these issues is something we cannot avoid if we are to be adult disciples of Jesus.
by: Pat Schnee
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