29th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 20 October 2024 – Mark 10: 35-45 – Fr. Chris Heller
Once upon a time, a man was preparing to tightrope walk across Niagara Falls while at the same time pushing a wheelbarrow! He asked bystanders how many believed he could do it. No one believed he could. But he did it! When he got to the other side, he asked the onlookers on the Canadian side of The Falls if they really believed he could do it again. ALL agreed he could do it. He asked, “So who wants to get in and let me push them across in my wheelbarrow?” He had 0 volunteers! It raises a question for me: if to be a true disciple of Jesus means being in His wheelbarrow, are we completely in it, or not? Do I really trust Him 100% that he will care for me along the Way of My Crosses?
This little story helps me understand a bit more about WHY James & John don’t understand Jesus. Think about it: if you had a checking account, would you stand on a street corner & give out BLANK checks to people, letting them fill in the amounts they wanted, & letting them cash in? Of course not! But that’s how James & John begin this conversation with Jesus: “give us anything we want!” That’s pretty nervy, wouldn’t you agree?
& then the trouble continues. James & John are looking to use Jesus as their gateway to Easy Street: riding in with Jesus into power and glory. These two Apostles have certainly NOT been hearing Jesus’ words in preaching, as you & I have been hearing Him in these past few weeks. Jesus has repeatedly said that being close to Him does NOT come with fame, fortune or “the cushy seats.” Could it be that James & John, being the youngest of the Apostles, are still clinging to their little-boy dreams of a Messiah that came in like an Army general, conquering the Roman government & freeing the Jews from their captivity? Could it be that those two are being held captive themselves, by a false image of who Jesus is (like the people who worship false gods?)? Jesus TRIED to tell his followers that he was NOT a military leader, but rather a Savior, someone who would change hearts, one at a time & from the inside out!
Now, if the 12 Apostles were a sports team, and Jesus was the coach, and some of his players didn’t follow his direction & listen to his instructions, a coach could justifiably bounce them off the team! But that’s NOT what Jesus does: he unites all 12, explains again that his mission involves EVERYONE, including Himself, serving others & putting themselves at each other’s beck & call. I find it important to point out that Jesus practiced patience and perseverance with people who wouldn’t follow His guidance: isn’t that true for us as well? Hasn’t Jesus forgiven us more than once for OPPOSING His Word & failing to follow the Father’s will? Isn’t that what Jesus calls us to do? Yes!
Let us practice the virtues that Jesus demonstrates in today’s Gospel with one another, most especially by serving the people God sends into our lives, even the unexpected people & those we find unfriendly, undesirable, or intolerant. Jesus’ mission of service is meant to go forward. And on this World Mission Sunday, when we realize that all of us are missionaries (those sent) to others, even if it’s to the neighbor next door to lend a cup of flour or sugar. As Jesus reminds us: “for whoever does good for one of the least and neediest friends of mine does good for me.” Amen.
