“You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I drink…?”

I wonder if James and John were dragging behind the group and conversing as Jesus had taken the twelve aside to explain what was ahead for him in Jerusalem. He certainly didn’t have their attention as he described being mocked, spit upon, scourged, and put to death, then three days later, he would rise. That would be enough to leave most speechless. Who could imagine such horrible treatment for their beloved teacher, Jesus, who was the son of God?

After Jesus finished his teaching, James and John requested that he sit at his right and left when they entered his glory. Their mother requests this in Matthew (20:20). Most parents, teachers, or a spouse would have responded to James and John with, “Have you not heard anything I just said?” With divine wisdom, Jesus responds by teaching them the truth of what they are asking and what is ahead for them as young leaders of the Church. He continues, saying that who sits with the Father in heaven is not his to decide but for whom it has been prepared.

Drinking from the chalice that Jesus drinks means living a life of service, humility, and sacrifice. We are to share in the pain of the sick, the hungry, the lonely, the unloved, and the alienated. During every Mass, we join Jesus and all who are gathered around the Table throughout the world in drinking from the cup when we accept communion under both species and pray the refrain from the eucharistic prayer, “When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.”

Who will we seek out and serve with a Eucharistic heart today?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I ask you to give me the humble gift of being a servant. Lead me where needed today, and use me as your instrument to share your love with others. Amen.