Gospel reflection for 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time- 17th of October 2021
In the Gospel this Sunday we see James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approach Jesus and ask him for a favour. Jesus’ response : “What is it you want me to do for you?”. Their answer reveals that they want to be offered special places, power and prestige, either side of Jesus. When questioned if they were ready for all that the position would bring them, they affirm that they can. Little did they know at that stage where their discipleship, the true discipleship, would bring them! We cannot help but think of another Scripture passage which speaks of two men being at the right hand and left hand of Jesus. These men, however, did not request these places. It was on the Cross where Jesus had either side of Him, a thief, both condemned to death, just like Jesus. One would realise the humble privilege of being alongside the Saviour of the world, the other would mock Him even in the last hours of death, questioning his identity as the Beloved Son of the Father. St. Thomas Aquinas once sa...