In today’s Gospel, we have the Two apostles seeking positions of power. Power is not bad unless it is the Goal - then it is dangerous.  I love our Scriptures because it is full of intrigue and real people striving to understand what it means to be people of faith. 

In today's Gospel, we see humanity at its best and confused. The best in Jesus who spends his time keeping the Apostles focused on the goal. But they like us get sidetracked. 

James and John want seats of Power. They wanted to share in the Power of the Messiah. They were thinking of a worldly king.  They should have read the Prophet Isaiah. 

"You make his life an offering for sin. The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities."

When they asked to be seated at his right and left in this world, they did not know what they were asking. Those spots were reserved for the two thieves that were crucified with him. 

Power is not the issue. Power when used in accord with God’s will makes this world a better place. When power becomes the goal we find disorder. 

When Power is the result of service and dedication, we find people like Brother Andre, Mother Teresa, Pope Francis, Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, Police officers, Parents, Grand Parents. We all have power in our own realm. When we use that power in accord with God’s will it is never about us, it is about the good we can do in this world. 

Those with a finite view of the world see power or wealth as a goal. Those with an infinite view of the world see the ways they can use their power and wealth to make a difference in the world in which we live. To leave a lasting legacy in the minds and hearts of others. 

“Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 

In the midst of the messiness of our lives, rather than loving all of the created things of this world, may we strive to be servant leaders who LOVE the Creator of all that is GOOD.  Then let us use all that is good and true to bring the Mercy of God to the world in which we live. 

Let's pray that we may avoid the temptation to place our trust in power and wealth. Let us confidently say...

                                      Jesus, I Trust in You.

Let us continue to pray for each other and with each other as we share the message of God's Mercy.

Fr. Gerard Monaghan