The disciple's in today's Gospel reading fail to see the gift that is in front of them. Jesus is busy predicting his passion while the Sons of Zebedee (James and John) are busy scheming. They want power so that when Jesus raises a new political power they may be there not merely as witness but in great position to accomplish their will.
James and John want to be set for life. That isn't such a bad thing. No one desires struggle, no one wants to fight for every scrap of food or not know where their next meal is going to come from. But the failure of the Sons of Zebedee is a failure to recognize He who is the way, the truth, and the life. In wanting to be set for life according to how they wish to live, James and John lose sight on the greater good, Life Himself. The apostles are blind to what is actually happening, a deeper reality they experience but that they can't see -- almost like oxygen. Instead of seeing Life, they see a way to the top.
James and John do what we do so often when we don't see someone for who they are but instead as a way to move up in the world, as a commodity, or as a means to an end. In Love and Responsibility, Karol Wojtyla (John Paul II) says that the opposite of love is not hatred but rather use. God is not some sort of clown that we call upon to entertain us, to take up our time. God is not a slot machine, we don't put in prayers, pull the arm and hope for the best. God is not a genie who grants us wishes. God is a person who is dying to enter into relationship with us. Our response should never be, "God, I'll do this or that for you, but please grant me a position in your Kingdom." God's love for us is complete and total and our response to that love should be the same. No strings attached, no deals, no gimmicks, just love.
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What has been my experience of being James and John?
Do I fail to see the dignity of all people? What about the annoying ones?
What are my Lenten practices directed toward this Lent? Building my relationship with God or something else?
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Jars of Clay - Sad Clown
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Blessings,
Isaac
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