Today's Gospel reading begins with the third prophecy of Jesus' Passion. We can imagine how painful Jesus felt while telling the Twelve about His forth-coming suffering and death.

What made it worst was the request of the mother of James and John. In reality she did not really understand and was confused about the Kingdom that Jesus had come to establish. She lobbied for her two sons, hoping that they would hold high positions in the Kingdom.

In the midst of confusion and anger among the disciples, Jesus took the opportunity to remind them what true greatness is in God's Kingdom. In fact he asked them the question : Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink? (v. 22). Here Jesus referred to the suffering as mentioned in Jer. 25:15. For Jesus, true greatness is in serving others with love. It reminds us that if we are in a position of leadership, it is not the chance to control others in order to gain power or status but in service with the pure love of God. So often even in Church circles, there is a constant struggle between power and service to the poor and needy. We truly have an excellent example in Jesus Christ who paid the ransom price of His own life to free us from the slavery of sin. How do we translate this to our own realities today?