Sunday Readings: Isaiah 53.10-11; Hebrews 4.14-16; Mark 10.35-44
Jesus says to James and John, who ask to sit at his right and left hand in his kingdom, “You do not know what your are asking. Are you able to drink the cup I will drink?” – Mark 10.38
It’s ironic that James and John answer Jesus’ question, “We can.” They do the opposite. They forsake Jesus when he gets arrested and flee with all of Jesus’ men disciples except Peter. Peter follows Jesus until he denies even knowing him in the high priest’s courtyard. When following becomes life-threatening, neither James and John nor the others who are indignant at their ambition stay the course. Their commitment evaporates. They shrink from drinking the cup Jesus is about to drink. Who wouldn’t shrink? Mark want us to recognize that Jesus’ disciples have to grow into their commitment as we can.
At every eucharist we drink the cup that Jesus drank. We brashly say amen, this is the lifeblood of Christ poured out for us. It become part of us, a commitment to live into each day.
To what do you commit when at Mass you drink the cup that Jesus drank?
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