Today’s scriptures begin with a powerful message, which we may call a ‘jeremiad.’ Yes, it is a real word: you can see the name of the prophet Jeremiah in it because it means a message or statement like those spoken by the prophet himself.
So there is a lot of woe, complaint, warning, and recrimination. (No wonder the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah is also called the Lamentations of Jeremiah!) These three verses are an urgent plea and lament that the people of Judah are conspiring to destroy him – throw him in a pit and take his life – though he always “stood before (God) to speak on their behalf.” We understand that being a servant of God, calling out the weaknesses and
the evil of others may be a very dangerous mission.
Matthew’s Gospel shows us Jesus, our priest, prophet, and king. The apostles hear the shocking prophecy of the great suffering, death, and resurrection Jesus will endure in Jerusalem, the destination they are now approaching. But this is not a jeremiad: nothing is “Old Testament” about it.
When the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, asks Jesus to give her boys a high place in his kingdom, Jesus chides her gently: “You do not know what you are asking.” There is nothing about ruling or authority but the promise of hard times and suffering. Those who wish to be the greatest must serve others with their whole life and being and thus pay the ransom to bring them to salvation. How can we serve as channels for the boundless love, mercy, and forgiveness of God?
Let Us Pray:
Dear God, show us how to be effective servants to those around us as we tell them the wonders of your Eucharistic kingdom. May we always rely on the nourishment of your Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist and shine forth the light of your love. Amen.