WHEN THE BEST IS ONLY GOOD FOR THE BETTER

Feast of St. James, Apostle

Mt 20:20-28

Parents wish the best for their children. Normally, they do not simply wish for it; they work hard for it. They will climb mountains, cross the seas, and endure a lot of sacrifices to secure for their children a bright tomorrow. They will not settle for the good; they want the best for their children.

The mother of James and John wanted to secure the best future for her boys. She mustered all the courage to actually beg from Jesus what she thought to be the best for her children. She asked Jesus to reserve the seats on His right and left for her two sons. We cannot blame her. She is a mother, we know. We should not criticize her for doing so. We know she is a mother.

But Jesus had something else for James and John. He still had their best in mind though. He always has for each of us. But the best for James and John – as it is for us, too – was not what mother wanted but what God willed.

God willed that James and John fix their eyes on Jesus rather than on the seats at His right and left. God willed that James and John drink from the cup that Jesus would drink from. God wanted that James and John to serve and not be served. I wonder if this is what exactly the mother of James and John wanted for her two sons. But for sure, this is what God wants for all who wishes to follow Jesus.

Of course we say, “Mother knows best.” But we believe that God knows better. And mother’s best is only good for God’s better.

By the way, we know God is our Father. And He is our mother’s Father, too.