Let go of the desire for recognition

25Jun
'Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We are able.’ He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.’

When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them.It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’   
 -Matthew 20: 21-28


How often I have thought that it would be wonderful to have a place of honor. This might be sitting at the head of the family table. It might also be getting a special rocking chair after teaching for 25 years. It might be as simple as expecting to sit in my recliner and finding that a cat has gotten their first. “Hey! You are in my spot.” The desire of James and John to sit next to Jesus when he came into his kingdom, and their mother’s request that Jesus grant this, are very recognizable human desires. We want to be recognized and appreciated for our accomplishments. Another common human response in this story is the reaction of the other ten disciples when they heard this request. They were angry. I can think of times while watching others be recognized or honored thinking, “what about me”. It does not surprise us that the other disciples were not happy when James and John asked to be singled out for this honor.


Jesus does not let this situation pass by without redirecting the disciples’ attention and thoughts. He reminds them that their main purpose is to serve each other. Getting preoccupied with seeking recognition remains a big distraction for us today as we seek to love our neighbors as ourselves. Certainly, getting angry about what we may consider undue recognition of others takes us out of a generous frame of mind. Fortunately, we have Jesus’ words and the Holy Spirit even today calling us away from these distractions just as he did with his disciples. When we stray, the Good Shepherd is still there following each of us and nudging us back to the safe and productive path. Enjoy the recliner, Horatio (the cat). I can go unload the dishwasher, do some laundry, or even better, call my mother.

Musical Reflection - Jesus Calls Us - Chet Valley Singers


During the daily routines with their multiple noisy distractions, may the Holy Spirit inspire me to pause and listen. Jesus is always calling, calling to let go of the desire for recognition, to let go of jealousy and anger. Help me to leave those and other errant paths so that I might follow again the path of being a servant to others. Amen.

Anger

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