Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
Devotees of daytime TV know all about “The Price is Right.” I found out that it happens to be TV’s longest running game show. The gist of it is that participants try to win cash and prizes by guessing the prices of various merchandise. In order to win, their decision can neither be too low nor too high.
Coincidentally, we come across in today’s Gospel from Mark about 2 “contestants” vying for the prize of glory with no idea of the price to pay. Their names are James and John, two of the twelve Apostles. To their way of thinking, glory involves sitting on thrones next to Jesus. So, it is worth their while to “play the game.”
Before reflecting on His answer, please note that Jesus does not snap at His questioners or call them out for their selfish and disrespectful request. Instead, He simply tells them, “Fellas, you don’t know what you are asking.” Then he quotes the “price”: undergoing a painful “baptism” of suffering. True discipleship has a price. They (and we readers of this gospel) are meant to understand that for all time. Of course, by now we know this from life experience.
Quite naturally, the other ten Apostles were indignant at their comrades’ behavior. They had asked a crude and manipulative question of the Master. We could well ask ourselves the conscience troubling question: “Have we ever tried to manipulate God? Turned Him into some kind of good luck charm that puts Him at our beck and call to grant us some favor we crave?”
Worse still, have we ever turned against Him when He doesn’t respond as we would like? That underlies such thoughts as “Well, I’m not going to believe in Him (or His Church) anymore because He didn’t give me what I wanted!” But doesn’t that read like a petulant toddler at worst, or a fair-weather friend at least?
The dialogue between Jesus and the 2 petitioners James and John leads Jesus to give the whole group (and us) the real “price” of discipleship: wholehearted giving of ourselves in service to others. It is amply illustrated by the nearest crucifix. The resurrection of Jesus tells us the price was right. Still, the way to greatness is life’s labor. As the poet asks:
“Why are people great? Well…
The heights by great people reached and kept
We’re not attained by sudden flight.
But they, while their companions slept,
We’re toiling upward in the night.”
God love you and give you his peace.
Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary
Reading I: Isaiah 53: 10-11
The Suffering Servant (Jesus) offers His suffering for us so that we might all be justified in the eyes of God.
Reading II: Hebrews 4: 14-16
Jesus, as great High Priest, outranks the Jewish high priests. His outstanding compassion is also what makes Him great.
The Gospel: Mark 10: 35-45, or 10: 42-45
More than halfway through his gospel, Mark presents us with Jesus giving the rather obtuse James and John the actual consequences of discipleship.