The only place that makes sense in Jesus’ kingdom is last place

Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.

“Looking Ahead” is our series of reflections on this week’s Sunday readings, by Father Perry.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

The disciples, James and John, went to Jesus and called him “Teacher.” Then they asked for a favour —

“Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.”

Then, instead of granting the favor, Jesus began to teach. Serving, giving, surrendering, letting go — these were the themes so often expressed by Jesus that came out of his mouth that day.

These themes, as taught by Jesus, are not passive realities. These are chosen, embraced, and accepted; and they are realities that we “enter into” with our eyes and our hearts open. These are not for the weak and helpless. On the contrary, these are for the bold and those of strong faith who stand up to make that “choice” believing it has the potential to profoundly affect not only self but “the other.”

A person can “make me” be last by forcing me into that place in line, or by depriving me of the choice to be first, second or third. But no one can make me choose it. No one can make me surrender my heart to being last. That is a choice only I can make. That is an attitude of mind and heart that only I have the power to make in my life.

That is the point. It is not the “last position” that is important to Jesus. It is the “choosing” of that position that is important. When someone begins to understand service and being last so that others may be first, then they begin to experience the power of the kingdom.

‘Jesus, can you do a favor for us?’

In Jesus’ kingdom, the only place that makes sense is the last place. The only position of real meaning is that of service. The values that society so often lifts up are all rooted in competition, power and authority, deciding, forcing, winning, and gaining control over — these are what usually cause us to feel superior.

Only one who truly values life could ever understand the incomparable power of letting it go for another. Only those who have truly felt loved and gifted by another are those who instinctively would understand service. Those who have been chosen to be first are those who would love, desire and thirst to put others in that place, even if, perhaps especially if, that meant they needed to be last in order for it to be so.

This is “kingdom thinking.” This is “God stuff.” This is where “spirit and truth unite with heart and soul” to give us the fullness of life. None of this can be proven. This only can be experienced, then known.

Then Jesus begins to teach us!

Quote of the week |
“Kindness is a language the blind can see and the deaf can hear.” — Mark Twain (1835-1910).