Word to the Wise
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 - 2nd Week of Lent - Wed
[Jer 18:18-20 and Matt 20:17-28]"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; who ever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave." [Matthew]
The scribes and Pharisees (our villains in yesterday's gospel scripture) were not the only ones who enjoyed power and prestige. The problem existed among Jesus' closest collaborators. Today we have the spectacle of the mother of James and John coming to Jesus to lobby for her two sons. Since one's place at table was an indication of one's importance in the social customs of the time, Mom wants one of her boys on Jesus' right and left. (The Gospel According to Luke doesn't mention Mom at all in its account.) Having just warned the disciples about the fate awaiting him in Jerusalem, Mom's intervention makes it clear that the disciples didn't "get it" about the kind of community Jesus was forming. She, and presumably they, thought in terms of political leadership of the time. Politics was shaping their faith rather than the other way around.
At his very first celebration of Holy Thursday, not long after his election, Pope Francis washed the feet of some homeless folks and criminals and the group even included a woman and a Moslem. Now THAT really set the scribes and Pharisees to talking and tsk-ing. Furthermore, he has toned down the ceremonial splendor that was often calculated to demonstrate papal power and prestige. He refers to himself as "Bishop of Rome" and not as "supreme pontiff." In short, Pope Francis is leading the way, but he didn't dream up what he is doing. Jesus' example is clear. It applies from Pope to Pew. (As an "extra example" he has made it "legal" for women to join the foot washing on Holy Thursday.)
Mrs. Zebedee's concern for her boys is understandable, but her (and their) starting point is not Jesus' starting point. Applying our political notions to the gospel is the wrong way to go. We should be applying the gospel to our political notions. AMEN