1st Week after Holy Cross

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER HOLY CROSS
2 Timothy 2:1-10
So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And what you heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well. Bear your share of hardship along with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. To satisfy the one who recruited him, a soldier does not become entangled in the business affairs of life. Similarly, an athlete cannot receive the winner’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer ought to have the first share of the crop. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.
Mark 10:35-45
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him 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.”

Paul is exhorting Timothy to be a servant who can endure all things. Jesus is encouraging the apostles to be servants to each other and for the world. Yet, James and John want position and authority. We too often fight for pride and prestige, but we fail to understand that to be first in the church means to suffer, sacrifice, and serve. This way, we can imitate Jesus who is our model and savior. If we want to be on Jesus’ right or left we must ascend a cross with him as thus recieve the soldier’s crown.

Lord, have mercy on us and save us.
Light from Light, and true God from true God,
according to your will you endured bodily death
and yet remain alive in the Spirit.
Through the blessings of this holy day of your
glorious resurrection from the dead,
turn us from the death of sin,
so that we may glorify and praise you, our light and joy,
and exalt your Father and your Holy Spirit,
now and forever.
Amen.