HONESTY  IS  THE  BEST  POLICY

I do not mean to say that Matthew was ‘not honest’ in his version of the Gospel, when he ascribed the ‘Request of Promotion’ of John and James, to their mother, Salome. We have to recall that Matthew was writing for the Jewish converts, and all these Jews knew James and John personally, especially their father, Zebedee. They were a relatively wealthy family, and Zebedee used to hire many persons to work in his fishing industry. Matthew’s version was simply a friendly gesture towards his two friends, but coming from a mother, Matthew felt, that it would be acceptable as a natural gesture.      

Mark was more straightforward and authentic, and tells us that the question was put forward by James and John themselves. We have a clear message in Mark’s reporting: Jesus chose common people like you and me, with all our good, and less good points. Christ was not surrounded by Saints, and this fact should be encouraging to us, and help us in our constant journey with the Master.

But were these two brothers not over ambitious in their request? No one can give a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answer to this question. As we have said they were rather well-to-do , in the social structure  they must have felt rather superior towards their fellow men, sort of: ‘We are heirs of the Big Boss’ … a natural instinct. Besides they always formed part of the ‘favourite three’, chosen by Christ. Together with Peter, they accompanied and were present during His Transfiguration; they were present during the healing of Jairus’ daughter; even present during His Agony in the Garden.

The reason why Christ chose them, is another matter for study, He must have had His good reasons. But that fact, unknowingly, must have affected James and John. Knowing that James was the first Apostle to be martyred, and that John suffered other persecuton and exile, we must conclude that both were genuine followers of the Master, they did believe in His Mission.

To the questions which Christ asked them, the answer was in the positive. They said that they were ready to drink the ‘chalice’ and also prepared for the baptism. Let us see what they really meant. The idea of the ‘chalice’ was part and parcel of their culture. During a royal banquet the king used to pass the ‘cup’ or the ‘chalice’ with wine to his favourite, esteemed guest, usually sitting on his right, to drink the wine from the king’s ‘cup’. That was a gesture of high esteem and honour. Anyone offered the ‘cup’, would accept it right away. And so did John and James, they declared that they wanted to form an integral part of Christ’s Mission.

What followed after this request, Christ’s question and the rest of the Apostles behavior towards the two brothers was ‘a naturl reaction’. The fellowship of the Apostolic band might have easily broken down. Bur Christ intervened , called them round and explained what is ‘greatness’ in His kingdom, a very different interpretation from the what we, or they knew it. According to Christ, ‘greatness’ means ‘servitude’. HE gave ample proof of it, especially during His Last Supper, when He did the work, normally carried out by the ‘slave’ … washing His friends’ feet and wiping them. If we want to form part of His Kingdom we must do just as Christ told us by His example… ‘Be of service to others.’

ALWAYS COUNT TEN ... POSSIBLY HUNDRED

Do you recall your childhood days? DO NOT pick your nose! DO NOT eat with dirty hands! DO NOT answer back! DO NOT interrupt when grown-ups are talking! The litany of DO NOTs is interminable. Parents need a little bit of psychology to realise the harm done to their children when such orders are given. But that was in my boyhood days, circa 70 years ago.
Yet, funnily enough, though its more tragical than funny, is the fact that the outlook of some Christians regarding their Christian duties, is built on the “DO NOT” system. We find this, as quoted by Christ, in next Sunday’s Gospel.

The young man declared that he used to follow the Commandments; ‘You must not kill’; ‘You must not commit adultery’; ‘You must not steal’, and so on and so forth. Christ was quoting what was written ... DO NOT, DO NOT DO NOT ... But Christ’s message was loud and clear: “Go and sell all that you have and give it to the poor.” Christ di not say: “DO NOT squander your wealth.”

So, Christ’s message was the following: It’s no use saying, ‘I do not steal’, rather, do you give alms to those in need?’ It’s no use declaring, ‘I do not kill,’ rather, ‘do you do your utmost to defend the unborn?’ What’s the use of saying, ‘I do not swear with God’s name’ but ‘do you use your lips to give praise and honour to God?’ So one has to take the ‘positive approach’. One can’t justify oneself by saying: “I do not offend or harm anyone’, yet in the process closes one eye, or both to injustice in life, without lifting a finger to defend the victims.

We have to bear in mind that Christ was addressing a young leader of the Synagogue, a wealthy person, a man of authority, who, notwithstanding his position in the Jewish society, ran to meet Christ, an unknown carpenter from Nazareth, he knelt in front of Him and gave Him homage. He even dared to call Him ‘Good’. We know from the Gospel Text that Christ, sort of felt sorry for him and he loved this young man.
It is clear that this man came to Jesus in a moment of overflowing emotion. Christ, sort of told him: “Stop and think! You are all wrought up and palpitating with emotion! I don’t want you swept up to me in a moment of emotion. Think calmly about what you are doing. Then act.” Jesus was suggesting to him to count the costs. One can’t become a good Christian because of emotional passion for Christ.

Following Christ means that you might have to be ‘a loner’; your wife, your children, your parents and friends might take another path (God forbid). BUT, you have to follow the Light the Truth, and the Way.