WHAT ARE WE DISCUSSING ON THE WAY?
According to Mark’s story, when Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem, he insists up to three times on what he’s expecting there. His self-giving to God’s project won’t end with the triumphal success that his disciples imagine. At the end there will be “resurrection”; but, although it seems unbelievable, Jesus «will be crucified». His followers need to know it.
Yet his disciples don’t understand him. They’re afraid even to ask him. They follow, thinking that Jesus will give them glory, power and honor. They aren’t thinking about anything else. When they get back to their house in Capharnaum, Jesus asks them just one question: «What were you discussing on the way?», what were they talking about behind his back in that conversation where Jesus had been absent?
The disciples keep silent. They’re embarrassed to tell him the truth. While Jesus talks to them about self-giving and faithfulness, they’re thinking about who is the most important. They don’t believe in the fraternal equality that Jesus seeks. In reality what moves them is ambition and vanity: being above the others.
Behind Jesus’ back and without his Spirit being present, do we keep discussing similar things?: does the Church need to renounce various secular privileges or should we seek «social power»? to what congregations and movements should we give importance and which ones should be set aside? What theologians merit the honor of being considered “orthodox” and who should be silenced as marginal?
In the face of his disciples’ silence, Jesus feels sorry for them and calls them. He’s very interested in being heard. What he’s going to tell them mustn’t be forgotten: «If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all». In his movement they mustn’t look so much at those who occupy the first places and have renown, titles and honors. The important ones are those who, without thinking much about their prestige or personal reputation, dedicate themselves without ambition and with total freedom to serve, collaborate and contribute to Jesus’ project. We mustn’t forget it: what’s important isn’t looking good, but doing good by following Jesus.
José Antonio Pagola
Translator: Fr. Jay VonHandorf
