And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you.”
(Mark 10: 41-43) 
 

Mark 10: 35-45  

It is not only James and John who have a misguided image of God and his style of ministry. The other disciples reveal they don’t get it either - they are jealous!

Jesus is forced to stop, gather them around, and have a teaching moment. See all these examples of dominance that you see in earthly leadership. That is not our way.

What is it that makes us jealous? We get jealous when we are ungrateful for the gifts that we have received in our lives. Our eyes are on what others have and what we do not. It is a sign of blindness to the fact that we are loved, cherished and guided by a loving creator, God.

Jealousy and the paradigm of power flow from the same source. They reveal a misguided image of God. Jesus rejects both. He knows the importance of gratitude and recognising all God does to us and through us. He realises that our ministry must flow from a place of love and appreciation rather than a desire to dominate. 

When have I been jealous in my life? Who made me envious and why? Do I see how this revealed a lack of gratitude in those moments? How can I be more grateful and loving in my life? 

Reflections by Sean van Staden SJ

Loving God,
Sometimes, I am blind to all the great gifts that you have given me. Forgive me for my times of jealousy. 

Help me to be grateful and generous.
Amen.

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