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Jesus' public life ends with the long march to Jerusalem - a trip of no-return. Along the way he announces three times the terminal of the journey: His Passion, Death and Resurrection. Each of the three times the narrative follows the same pattern:
- The announcement in plain language.
- A behavior in the disciples that shows a mentality which is the very opposite to the Cross.
- Jesus corrects them and re-stresses his doctrine which is an unconditional love to the end, with out compromise.
But the behavior of the disciples adds a detail that they are inclined to follow more closely the ways of the world: the use of recommendations: Mary, the Mother of John and James, was one of the women that followed Jesus, helping the Community in their daily needs. How could Jesus refuse her request? In Mark's version (where the mother is not mentioned), Jesus tells them: "You do not know what you are asking". Here, maybe out of kindness to their mother, Jesus omits this blame; but in both cases Jesus confronts them: "Are you ready to swallow the bitterness of the Passion?" The place of preference in the imagined territorial kingdom is a childish aspiration that they will eventually overcome.
Lord, teach us to love You and others unconditionally.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That young people who are searching for the sense of life may be understood, respected and accompanied with patience and love.
Elaboration
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