GOSPEL

For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
From the Gospel according to Mark 10:35-45 or 10:42-45
James and John, the sons of Zebedee,came to Jesus and said to him,
“Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink,and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized;but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them,”You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them,and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you.Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of 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.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Submitting to Save

When Jesus steps into a dispute among His disciples, He doesn’t rely on human reasoning to settle it; instead, He applies the Gospel. In those moments, He encourages them to serve one another, to submit just as He does, giving His life as a ransom for many.

Applied to married life.

Martha: Thank you, husband, for teaching me through your willingness to submit. I’ve noticed that when I feel upset with you, instead of standing your ground, demanding what you think is fair, you choose to submit, humble yourself, and love me.

William: Thank you for the recognition, but you know this isn’t something that comes from me. It’s the Lord, who helps me give myself for your sake.

Martha: Praise the Lord. I hope to be open to the Holy Spirit, to no longer oppose you, but to submit to you as I would to the Lord.

Mother,

May we learn to be humble and small, so that the Lord may lift up our love. Blessed be God.