In today's Gospel Jesus predicts His passion, death and resurrection for the third time. They are approaching Jerusalem and the disciples are in a "daze" because they know that the city is a very dangerous place for Jesus - and for them. But Jesus once again reminds them of what is going to happen to him: being handed over to the spiritual leaders of their people, condemned to death and then handed over to the Romans, followed by insults, scourging, death - and, after three days, resurrection. With death staring them all in the face, the two brothers, James and John, try at least to find some solace. When Jesus is in glory, may they have the privilege of being at his right and left? They obviously did this in secret, behind their companions' backs. And, when the latter found out, they were very angry, not at what was asked but feeling they had been cheated.

Patiently Jesus then tells them the top places are not acquired by 'booking' them in advance, nor even by their closeness to Jesus, but by their living lives of love-in-action, spending themselves in looking after the needs of their brothers and sisters. It will be the only way. And, if they are better at this than anyone else, then, Yes, those places will be theirs.