The Request of the Mother of James and John

Many misunderstood the Gospel that Jesus preached. And according to St. Mark’s Gospel even the Apostles, initially. So is this incident, where James’ Mother is asking for a pledge for her sons, from Jesus, is it a part of ignorance or something else. I would say, yes and no. No because Jesus probably was teaching His Apostles about restoring Israel to its glory. And we have a corresponding incident in Acts 1 to understand this, where even as Jesus is about to ascend to the Father. After 40 days of being instructed in a big way about the Kingdom, the Holy Spirit, and their roles as priests in it, the Apostles ask if Jesus was going to restore the kingdom at that moment. For the Jews, to associate glory with Solomon and his lifestyle, was easy, it was one of the highlight of their history. Even Solomon had 12 chief officers. And this is where everyone (or maybe a few did) did not understand the Kingdom of God, the glory of Israel, was her God. And for her God to walk with Her, was the ultimate thing. The Glory of Israel and all humanity is to be besides its maker. That is God’s Kingdom. An example we can draw on is that of St. Monica, her greatest joy was to see her wayward son Augustine, come into a genuine relationship with God. I believe, James and John’s Mother was sought of like her, but her own assumption of the Kingdom manifest was a little wayward.

Even today, we miss the truth, though we may follow God “with all our heart”. Let us pray, and open ourselves to the Holy Spirit; come Lord Holy Spirit lead us to the truth, and help us live with The Truth.