With Opened Bible

"Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left." (Mark 10:37)

The first reading and the Gospel of this Sunday refer us to the humility of the Messiah and his redemptive sacrifice. Isaiah calls him a 'suffering servant,' a term that signifies a figure who endures great suffering for the benefit of others, because it is thanks to his suffering that humanity was saved. (Cf. Isaiah 53:10-11) But even more, he humbled himself by becoming the Servant of servants to save them all.

Speaking of servants, the Gospel of Mark shares the episode where the Zebedee brothers (James and John) express their ambition to be in the best place. "Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left."

In the world's governments, the men of our time feel their power by choosing the best places near the Chief or the King. These are the seats of choice. James and John had not yet understood the message of the Master who 'having the divine form humbled himself as a servant for the glory of God and the salvation of the world.' (Cf. Philippians 2:6) They had not understood that 'He who wants to be first must be the servant of all.' (Mark 9:35; Mt 23:11) or even Christ 'who did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.' (Mark 10:45) Their ambition for the best places was a stark contrast to the true path to greatness in Christian service, which is found in humbly serving others. These words of the Master are proof that no one is great in the eyes of God until he humbles himself in the service of others.

The Zebedee brothers' request, despite its good formulation, was not granted. Why? The reason is simple, and again, the Bible explains it to us.

In Matthew 25, the parable of the Last Judgment, the right side is reserved for those who have done the will of God by loving their neighbor. They are represented by the lamb (symbol of obedience to God and humility), while the left side is reserved for the goats (symbol of nonwelcome of the word of God). Those on the throne's right are saved, and those on the left are condemned. This parable serves as a guiding lesson, helping us understand more and more the true meaning of Christian service. It is not the seats (left or right) that define our power but the service we render to our neighbors. 'You know that those recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your Servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the servant of all.' (Mark 10:42-44)

Only the humble servants of the Kingdom, those who have understood the true meaning of Christian service, can win seats at the King's side. This is the hopeful reward for those who choose the path of humility and service.