16/03/2022

That mothers always want the best for their children is true of all ages.The "pushy" mother is a figure known to all mothers from the kindergarten onwards. In Palestine 2022 years ago when Jesus was going up to Jerusalem amongst the disciples there was an immediate grabbing of the main chance and the counter reaction. Anyone who has worked under a boss knows the instant reaction when a promotion is in the offing. Me me me! Choose me.

Although Jesus is quite clear about what will happen in Jerusalem amongst his friends and disciples there was still the misunderstanding about the Kingdom. Jesus offers us a paradox and the "greatest shall be the least". Jeremiahs' adversaries are sure that the world would suffer no loss if he were got rid of.

Jesus in his time on earth has heard "the slander of the mob"and knows how his companions have not yet understod his true mission. Can we say that today we do really know the significance of the events in Jerusalem long, long ago. One thing I know and of this I am sure, the evidence for " anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant and anyone who wants to be first must be your slave" is not to be found in the "Bishops' Conference of England and Wales"nor in the Vatican itself.

Dear Lord teach us how to be the "disciples" that you created us to be; teach us to understand your way of being honest to Father, Son and Holy Spirit and help us to overcome the problems that we create or come to us out of the nature of life. May my prayers be added to those of Mary and all your saints to seek comfort for the suffering and the strength to bear the pains of illness, knowing that on Calvary human pain is completely real to you in a way that we cannot imagine.