In today’s Gospel, James and John are unwise in what they wish for. Jesus gives them every chance to get themselves out of trouble and tells them directly, “You do not know what you are asking.†James and John imagine a kingdom of earthly power where they will be rulers. Here James and John reveal their ambition. But it seems they want “the bonus without the onus,” as the saying goes. Jesus grants them their wish, but not in the way they expect.
True discipleship will involve suffering and even dying for Christ, and only then will there be a share in glory. Not the glory of this world, but of eternal life with God.
Our journey of faith is leading us to eternal life with God. On the way we are given the opportunity to build up God’s kingdom and serve our neighbors. Like James and John, we sometimes fail to want the right thing, and, like them, the Lord teaches us and makes us His disciples, even despite ourselves.