Today's Feast of St. James, brother of John, bishop of Jerusalem and martyr, gives us the familiar Gospel in which their mother, Salome, asks Jesus to place them at his right and left when he establishes his kingdom. (cf. Mt 20:20-21). Patiently, Jesus tells her she doesn't know what she's asking and goes into an explanation of leadership that requires suffering, service, and the giving of one's life as a "ransom for many." (Mt 20: 28). Indeed the chalice of leadership is demanding and bittersweet. If sought for power alone, it will end in pain and failure. If sought for the sake of helping others, its never-ending self-emptying service will result in a satisfaction and glory like that of Jesus.
Humility, acceptance, hope and optimism flowing from a focus on the path Jesus took will help us gladly pay the ransom, so that others might live.
Bro. Rene
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