Cup and Baptism

The Gospel today is sort of funny.  One could almost imagine James and John approaching Jesus while the other apostles are just out of earshot.  And in a childish, not child-like, manner they ask for the places of glory in the Kingdom of God.  Suddenly there is all sorts of consternation and contention as the other apostles realize what is happening.

Again Jesus has to unfold the prerequisite of the Kingdom as well as Discipleship.  Following Jesus is not like giving up candy for Lent, or watching ones little sibling for an hour.  It is a lifestyle that connects with God's love and kindness, coming to know the fullness of truth, by imitating the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ.  Even in difficult times Jesus brought the message of Good News to wherever he entered.  By taking on his life in our encounters with others, people should know "That a prophet has been in their midst."

I suspect that when we talk about taking up the cross, or living a Christ-centered life, folks comprehend this to be a monastic-like existence in which many a glum hours are spent in prayer and contemplation.  The reality is that those who take the challenge of Christ seriously live in the world, but with a perspective which is founded upon God's love and mercy.  Human dignity, respect, justice, and peace, are the lens in which they view others, and the means by which they respond to the world around them.  Those who take up the cup of salvation, and embrace the baptism of the cross, challenge their own lives, and of those around them, to a higher level.

Serving the needs of those around them is a natural expression of the disciple, since they have come to know and experience the love of God.  More so they are not seeking rewards or accolades, but rather are anticipating a trend of conversion and discipleship.  Right away we look at people like Francis of Assisi or Mother Teresa, as faithful disciples, but we all have encountered that man or woman who is the perfect host, or performs acts of kindness for others just because.  These are the ones who have embraced the cross.

God's rewards are not based on the 'most converted' or the 'best prayers,' but on our faithfulness in following his Son.