Jesus replied to James and John, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Grant that in your glory we may sit one on your right and the other on your left.” “You don’t understand. Can you drink of the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They answered, “We can.”. ”Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be slave to all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mk 10:35-45
During November we remember all those who have gone before us, our families, our friends, neighbors, oblates and community members. All Saints of God. We have been collecting the names of those whom folks want remembered from our larger community. These are being listed in a large Book of Remembrance in our chapel, and prayed for in our general intercessions at Evening Prayer each day.
When I think about it, I realize each one of these had to Drink of the Cup that was given to them. Jesus sets the example of how to serve others, whether they be spouses, children, bosses, superiors, pupils, co-workers, etc., so that each can accept and deal with the suffering, hardships, disappointments that came their way during life. We have only to meditate on the Gospel accounts for inspiration. He gives us his Holy Spirit to teach us and be with us on our Journey.
In the Mass, we celebrate Jesus’ ultimate service for all, when he gives us his body to eat, and the cup of his blood to Drink. At this moment, I am often reminded of the many who are shedding their blood literally for those around them, in wars, in hospitals, in births and in all kinds of service to others, today.
Let us Give Thanks and Remember!
