But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or to be baptised with the baptism with which I am baptised?” 

And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptised, you will be baptised; 

but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
(Mark 10: 38-40) 
 

 Mark 10: 35-45  

In his Spiritual Exercises, St Ignatius of Loyola describes three degrees of humility. The first is obedience for the sake of salvation, the second is detachment from created things, and the third is a close identification with Jesus, poor and humble.

Jesus is challenging the disciples and their desire for dominance. He asks them if they are willing to identify more fully with him. Can they adopt his image of God, his sense of what authority means and his way of living it?

Jesus is baptised into belovedness and ministry. After his baptism, he hears the Father call him beloved, and he deepens this experience of love in the desert. Immediately afterwards, he begins his public ministry. Love becomes service.

On the cross, Jesus drinks the “cup” of vinegar on the hyssop branch. He has loved to the point of death. He has given of himself to the very last drop. Jesus’ life is defined by being loved and by loving.

To what extent do I desire to be identified with Jesus? Am I willing to allow my image of God and desires for my life to be defined by Jesus? Am I ready to share in his baptism and his cup?

Reflections by Sean van Staden SJ

Loving God,
I desire to be more fully identified with your son, 

poor and humble. Help me to be more aware of 

your love for me and grant that I may desire 

to love and serve like Jesus.
Amen.

Join us this Saturday as Fr David talks to a Muslim neighbour. 

15 Moelsey Avenue, Auckland Park 9h30-12h30.

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