Humility and strength in face of Adversity

Today's readings: Jeremiah 18:18-20; Psalm 31:5-6,14-16; Matthew 20:17-28

Jesus warns his Apostles that he will soon be handed over and killed, and on the third day rise from the dead.  Being someone that knows the story, it is hard to imagine how his Apostles, not knowing how Christ's life would be played out, really understood his prophecy.

But, how many people today really understand his words. Throughout his ministry, he tells us how to act, asks us to take up our cross and follow him, and in today’s reading tells us that if we want to be great then we must be servants. He says that he did not come to be served, but to serve.

As a Christian it is important that our lives represent the mission of Christ. Yet, our pride and desire get in the way and cause us to look for more ways that we can be served. 

It seems to me that this is being shown in the Gospel. The mother of two of the Apostles asks Jesus that her sons basically be placed at the highest of honors. He asks them if they can really take on the responsibility for that place. Of course they say they are. Jesus lets them know that they will end up 'drinking the cup that he drinks' but they still might not get the 'highest place.'

That is a task that we need to take on as well. If we are to have the reward of eternal life, then we must have the strength to live Christ's mission, be humble, and be willing to follow Christ's call in our life.

I also believe this passage and the passage from Jeremiah seem so fitting for today. As today is when Pope Benedict XVI gives his last public audience, it seems that every news source still holds to the idea that his resignation is about hiding from some scandal, and they continue to bring different things up. 

In Jeremiah, the people are conspiring against Jeremiah and knowingly bring false accusations against him.  It seems that our culture is trying to discredit the beauty of Christ's Church, the heir of St. Peter, and other leaders. I am amazed, but not surprised, at the Pope’s humility as well as the strength to show his frailty.  He has shown us that his calling in life consists of taking on so much leadership and has continued to be a great example: to be willing to take on the difficult task 8 years ago to be Pope (to understand his task to serve the world), to be willing to take a step back when he feels he cannot physically and mentally serve the way the Pope needs to, and to take on all of the critiques in stride and encourage us through the persecution the media is doing to our Church.

Although I do not understand how my life will be played out, I can take the example of Benedict XVI, and more importantly from Christ, to be willing to accept each obstacle and gift as a way that I allow Christ's mission to be shown in my life.
And I hope that whatever persecution and struggles you find yourself in today, you are able to take courage to accept your part in the kingdom and that you are willing 'to drink the cup with which Christ drinks'. Remember that being a Christian requires discipline, humility, sacrifice, and love.  Let us be support and models to one another so that we do not let the world consume us through lies and deceit.  He calls us to be servants…who can you serve more today?