The First Proclamation Then they said, “Come, let us make plots against Jeremiah, for instruction shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, let us bring charges against him, and let us not heed any of his words.” Give heed to me, O Lord, and listen to what my adversaries say! Is evil a recompense for good? Yet they have dug a pit for my life. Remember how I stood before you to speak good for them, to turn away your wrath from them.
Prayerful Awareness All Scripture points to Jesus. As we read this passage, we note that it describes the fate of prophet Jeremiah. But, as we reflect on it meditatively, let us note that the essence of this Scripture passage clearly points to the fate that Jesus too would be subjected to at a future date.
The Gospel Proclamation While Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside... and said to them .. “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified and on the third day he will be raised. Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him, .... she asked a favor of him. ... “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” .. “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” ... “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father. .... “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you, but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Prayerful Awareness The request of the sons of Zebedee made through their mother, for the highest places of honor in the Kingdom, and the indignation of the other ten disciples at this request, show that neither the two brothers, nor the others have understood that what makes for greatness in the Kingdom, is not lordly power, but humble service.
Prayer Starter In You Lord, I take refuge, In Your justice deliver me, incline Your ear to me, make haste to rescue me! You are my rock and my fortress, for Your name’s sake lead and guide me.
