today's other readings are Jer. 18: 18-20 and Psalm 31
There is a natural tendency to focus on the request of the mother of James and John and Jesus' response. But the part that gets my attention today is Jesus' affirmation to James and John that they "will indeed drink My cup".
During Lent , we are called to continue in our vocations as baptized Christians. For being baptized means entering into the Paschal mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. However, the reality is we do not know how this will unfold, but it is part of the life of every Christian.
For most, our dying with Christ will not be dramatic, as it was for the many martyrs of the Church. But the daily dying to self by serving others, graciously surrendering our time and energy to respond to the needs of others will happen. As Pat Marrin of NCR points out: "Such self-emptying is exemplified in the lives of parents, teachers, social workers, clergy, lay ministers, and anyone who consciously says “Yes” to God each morning: 'Here I am, I have come to do your will.' ”
Once we decide to follow Jesus, we open ourselves to his daily invitation to lay down our lives for others. For this is the call of every Christian. Thus, just like James and John, we too are asked to say to Jesus, “Yes, I am able and willing to drink Your cup".