Gospel for October 17 2021 – Mark 10:35-45
Gospel Reflections for October 17 2021
World Series Winner!
Can you imagine a Major League Baseball team seeking the World Series title, but without playing any games at all? You would be outraged, but that is what happens in today’s Gospel.
Two disciples are intrigued when Jesus announces His “Kingdom of God.” That sounds like a wonderful place and so they want prominent roles in that Kingdom, but they want it instantly and without actually following Our Lord!
Jesus takes it all in good humor but indicates that they will have to eventually “get in the game” which simply means they must follow Him, and live and love with total commitment just as He has done for them.
He also indicates that a Christian life may include severe challenges, hardship, and even suffering. Christians might have to enter the arena of a difficult life. (…what life doesn’t?) Christians never ask for suffering, and if possible, you can hope it never happens, but if it does, you know exactly what to do. (See my article, What if I get Sick?)
By following the words and life of Jesus you emerge from suffering, wiser, happier, and more at peace than ever before, just as He did. Your steady commitment to love, in sickness and in health, and no matter what life brings, ensures the same peace that Jesus enjoyed. There is no easy path to success in life …or in Major League Baseball!
While it sounds great to get a trophy instantly, it’s not actually very satisfying if it comes with no effort. Cheap awards just don’t feel like awards, and do not satisfy.
The two disciples in today’s Gospel certainly had sincere intentions but they were innocently mistaken about how real success and happiness is found. If they took the cheap shortcut, they would remain weak and defenseless against the first challenge that ever came along.
I hope your favorite team wins the World Series. Yet I know every player on any favorite team will have to actually enter the arena of life and play with everything they have and with total personal commitment in order to win.
You can also enter each day with that same spirit of total commitment and fidelity to Our Lord. You can truly feel like …and actually be …a winner each and every day.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Love your beautiful words!! Love our folloing our precious Jesus!! Loveeeeeeeeeeee being a winner by living our Jesus’ precious loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee having you in our precious life!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
Amen Father
Amen! Amen!
I find this message very interesting as I would be happing just being in a small corner of heaven. Not worried about where I would be, just happy to get thto heaven.
When I read this scripture it reminds me of when I was in a Charismatic Church for 10 years and I heard him ask when I was going to do what he wanted and I said “Anything” and I heard him tell me to go back to the Catholic Church. I asked Him why and what sin did I commit to make me go back. God said “Nothing”. When He said to do it He didn’t need to explain to me why. Just do it.
So I went back and when I studied the Old Testament in Bible Collage of the 4square Church I remember thinking it sounded Catholic to me. At the Mass I saw the Old Testament and New coming together in the Mass and then when the Priest put his hands over the bread and wine and called down the Holy Spirit to come down on the gifts…. I actually saw the Holy Spirit coming down. It was a gift for being obedient.
Dear Father Dave,
Your synopsis certainly touched upon our daily-living experiences. They always do.
When I was a youngster, I loved to swim in the ocean, diving under the waves or body surfing to shore. I think back to those times now as metaphors for life—exhilarating joy with a fair share of tumbling!
I used to see a woman in church who was twisted and very hunched over. She had to have been in great pain, but she always looked serene. It was profound.
The above recollections seem far away from each other, but I suspect, they’re actually quite close.
Our exuberance and faith is a sustainable force to carry us on this journey to our ultimate home in heaven.
God bless you.
Kathleen
I like how you reflect deeply on the daily experiences you have and what you observe around you. They always lead to great wisdom for you.
Thank you for sharing your amazing journey to the Catholic Church!