Hold nothing back

Readings for Wednesday March 11, 2009

First Reading:  Jeremiah 18:18-20

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 31

Gospel:  Matthew 20:17-28

"Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."  (Matt 20:28)

A recurring theme in the readings this week is that we are called to be servants of Christ and of others, just as Jesus was.  But before we go on, let me pose this question; is a servant only as good as how much he or she gives?  Isn't the sign of a good and loyal servant that of one who gives their all, and does not hold anything back from their master?  

Jesus warns His disciples today of His upcoming passion which must take place in Jerusalem.  He tried to help them understand not only the great suffering that He will go through, but the costs of discipleship.  It is pretty clear that James and John, as well as their mother, did not really know what they were asking for when the asked to drink of the chalice that Christ would drink of.  The calling of the servant, and the responsibility of discipleship is to drink of this chalice as Christ did.  When Christ undertook the suffering and the cross, He did not hold anything back.  Christ emptied Himself so that we might be saved and have a way to the Father.  Christ did exactly what He expects of us, to give ourselves completely to Him and to hold nothing back.  That is why it is so important to let Christ be at the center of our life and to let Him into every area. 

God has prepared a great reward for us in heaven, but to get there we must be good and faithful servants, and hold nothing back.  

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day.  Lord, we thank you and give you praise for our lives and all that we are called to.  Lord, in these difficult times, let us come even closer to you and to not worry about trying to save our lives in this world, but to only save our lives in heaven.  Lord, we pray for all those who are in need of conversion, may they come to know your love and peace in their lives.  We ask this all through Christ our Lord.  Amen.