In Mark’s Gospel, the apostles James and John ask Jesus if they can sit at the place of honor with him in God’s kingdom. But, in Matthew’s Gospel, it is their mother who asks Jesus for this favor for them. We all like to be recognized, don’t we? Human beings like to receive honor, praise, and accolades. However, in our faith, we are called to be loyal to the truth, to do the right thing in the right way, not to act out of ulterior motives or for our own glory. Just as Jesus’ critics plotted against him, so the people wanted to get rid of Jeremiah as well. This is in response to the way God uses Jeremiah to communicate the uncomfortable truth to the people, a truth the people don’t want to hear, so they plot against him. We live in a society where everyone wants to get an A, to win an award, to be the best. We are called to do our best, to follow God’s will, but not everyone can be number one in everything all the time. I remember that once a lady remarked to Mother Teresa that she wanted to be just like her, but Mother Teresa responded by saying, no, you are not called to be just like me. You are called to be you. We are called to be ourselves, not someone else. G. K. Chesterton once said: “It is always the secure who are humble.” May God help us to be secure in our faith. May God help us to be humble. May God help us to follow our calling in life. May our Lenten journey help us to be true and faithful.
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