by Sister Mary Kabat
Can you picture it? Family or friends are gathered and someone says something that sparks tension. In the moment of quiet that follows, you wonder if a debate or argument will follow. Read Sunday's Gospel and picture the scene of Jesus with his Apostles as James and John ask for seats to his right and left in the heaven, no less. Rather than throwing up his hands at another apostolic blunder, Jesus turns the tense moment into a teachable one: Whoever wishes to be great must be the servant, whoever wishes to come first must be the slave. Why? Because we follow Jesus and are to do as he did.
Think of those moments in your life that Jesus has turned into teachable moments for you, helping you to know his truth and walk his way and share his life more fully. Be grateful for those moments and pray for openness to more. May our prayer be the words we hear this Sunday from the Letter to the Hebrews (4:16) - "Let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help."
Thanks Mary.
Thank you Sister for the practical lesson on learning from a "cringe moment"...as I read it, a lesson in approaching the throne of grace with abundant humility. Michael
Good insight, Mary.