The first schism in the Church occurred before the eyes of Jesus: two disciples against ten and ten against two (Mk 10:35-41). The reason for the dispute: not a theological discussion or the rejection of some dogma, but the eagerness for power, the competition for the first place. It was the beginning of a painful history of ecclesial divisions and conflicts, always determined by petty rivalries.
Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. He has already spoken about his impending death three times and the disciples are in a mixture of emotions. They are sad because their hopes are being shattered – they hoped for some high-ranking office when their “miracle-working” master established his kingdom. They are confused, because, who would take control of the group when the master is gone? Their dreams of glory do not stop even in the face of death. This reveals how deeply rooted in man are the lust for power and the aspiration to occupy places of honour.
James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, present themselves to Jesus and, in front of everyone, without a hint of discretion and tell him what they wanted. They want the two best seats – ahead of everyone else when Jesus comes in his “glory.” Perhaps this was the only vocabulary that got registered in their head – “glory.”
They could not differentiate between the glory of Jesus that would be revealed in the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus and the glory that the world offers, where one dominates over the other. With James and John, Jesus was harsh and severe: “You do not know what you are asking for.” Then, to help them understand, he introduced two images: the chalice and baptism.
Chalice referred to a well-known practice in Israel: the father or the one who occupied the first place at the table, as a gesture of esteem and affection, used to offer a drink from his cup to the person of his choice. This image is often taken up in the Bible. The cup indicates the destiny, good or bad, of a person. Jesus knows that a cup of sorrow awaits him, a cup from which he himself would like to be spared (Mark 14:36), but which he must drink to enter into glory. The image of baptism has the same meaning: it indicates the passage through the waters of death. The sufferings and afflictions to which the righteous are subjected are often compared in the Bible to immersion in deep waters or to the rush of rushing waters (Psalm 69:2-3; 42:8).
The indignant reaction of the other ten shows that they too are far from having assimilated the thought of the Master, and here is the schism within the group. Jesus explains the theme of hierarchies and the exercise of power.
For your reflection
Do you really care about making those around you happy, especially your family and friends? Do you think that is the best way for you to witness to Jesus?
Father Fernando Torres CMF
www.ciudadredonda.org
Translated by Father Alberto Rossa CMF
