29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 21, 2012
4 PM Liturgy
We’ve all heard the old anonymous saying: be careful what you ask
for, you just may get it! It could have been written by anybody in any age. It
represents a very common, and very hard-to-learn lesson for so many. I
always think of that line when I hear today’s gospel story. I can always
sympathize with James and John. But I don’t really think sympathize is the
right word. Empathize? No, that’s not it either. I actually know exactly what
their feeling. I’ve felt it too!
They know they are both part of Jesus’ real inner circle. It’s always
Peter, James and John at the big events in Jesus’ life. They begin to wonder
why Peter’s name is always first. Why not them? A little bit of jealousy
creeps in. Does this sound familiar so far?
So they drop the big question on Jesus. “We have a favor to ask.”
“What is it,” Jesus asks. But as theologian John Shea says: “As soon as Jesus
hears what they want, he knows they do not know [what they are asking]. He
is the wrong star for glory hounds.” Jesus does assure them that they can be
sure “anyone who follows him can be sure the pattern of his life will be the
pattern of theirs.” Yet the path “will always be death and resurrection and
not an endless upward escalator to glory.”
Be careful what you ask for, even if you think it’s what you deserve.
Ah, what we deserve? Especially those of us who have tried to be so faithful–
in our own way, of course. Now I am reminded of another story that many of
us hear every year around Christmas. (It’s never too early for Christmas
stories. Haven’t you seen all the decorations in the stores just waiting to be
rolled out?)
This Christmas story comes compliments of one of my favorite
theologians, Charles Shultz in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” We watch it
every year on TV. At one point Charlie’s little sister, Sally, asks him to help
her write to Santa. Here’s the dialogue.
Sally: I’ve been looking for you , big brother. Will you please write a
letter to Santa Claus for me?
Charlie: Well, I don’t have much time. I’m supposed to get down to the
school auditorium to direct a Christmas play.
Sally: [Sally hands a clipboard and pen to Charlie Brown.] You write it
and I’ll tell you what to say.
Dear Santa Claus, How are you? Did you have a nice summer? How’s your
wife? I’ve been extra good this year, so I have a long list of presents that I
want. [Charlie Brown just sighs., and says, “Oh brother.”]
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Sally: please note the size and color of each item, and send as many as possible.
If it seems to complicated, make it easy on yourself: just send money. How
about tens and twenties?
Charlie Brown: TENS AND TWENTIES? Oh, even my baby sister!
Sally: All I want is what’s coming to me. All I want is my fair share.
Does this sound uncomfortably familiar? “All I want is my fair share,
what’s coming to me.” Many of us might not say it that bluntly. But I
wonder if we don’t feel that way with some regularity. James and John were
just spiritual and social climbers. But you see what happened in their story?
Spiritual and social climbers, their drive to be first, always upsets other
spiritual and social climbers. It makes others feel last and conflict erupts.
The other disciples become indignant.
And this whole scene gives Jesus another opportunity to show another
way, his way. Jesus is still showing another way this afternoon–to us.
Jesus says speaking of authority and wanting to be first: “It shall not be
so among you.” Scripture scholar Fr. John R. Donahue, S.J., suggests of this
sentence that it “should be emblazoned on every letter of appointment to a
position of authority in the church.” It shall not be so among you. Perhaps it
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should be emblazoned on every Baptismal robe as well. It shall not be so
among you. “Greatness in Jesus’ community is a greatness of service.”
Be careful what you ask for. Some answers always come with a high
and unexpected price. “All I want is what’s coming to me.” It’s a common
sentiment, I’m afraid. But what’s coming to me–and to all of us–is the image
of a suffering servant as described in today’s first reading. And what’s still
waiting to be realized is a Christian community whose bond is service to each
other and to the world.
We are supposed to be different than lots of other people around us.
Like James and John, we really should know better. We know how the world
acts and judges; we know the competition and politics of everyday life. But
you and I live in two worlds. Let’s try to hear at least the echo bounce off our
everyday world; “It shall not be so among you.” The invitation is clear–if a
bit disconcerting. Good luck. And Peace!
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