Drink the Cup – Reflection on Mark 10:35-45
Like James and John, Christ offers us the opportunity to drink the cup as He did. Their experiences of the unknown inform you that this offer has far more meaning, as it comes with significant challenges. Committing forever with your unique Yes Lord comes with sacrifices contradicting the worldliness surrounding us. Much is asked, including fully spiritually joining the bond of love on the Cross. We cannot think of this process as a reward and honor because the truth is our task is to share what is inside with others as humble servants.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot
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Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 10:35-45 – Scripture*
The Request of James and John
35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” 39 They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
41 When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. 42 So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 43 But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 10:35-45 Reflection – Drink the Cup that I Drink.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate your expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions. Amen.
Attributions
* This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage of Mark 10.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Drink the Cup.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.