Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional – Eighth Week of Ordinary Time – Wednesday – Mark 10:32-45

In Mark 10:32-45, Jesus is walking in front, leading the disciples towards Jerusalem, a stressful time that leaves the disciples “amazed” and the crowds “afraid.” Taking the disciples aside, Jesus, with astonishing precision, describes the details of His passion including His “trial” by the Jewish leaders, the treatment of the Gentiles and His Resurrection after three days.

The “Sons of Thunder”, James and John, boldly and disrespectfully demand that Christ do “whatever we ask of you.”  Rather than harshly rebuking them for their ill-timed demand to be glorified (Jesus has just told them He will be killed), Jesus patiently points out their ignorance.  He poses a mysterious question that is a prophecy of His Passion and the Eucharist (the “chalice”) and the anointing of the Holy Spirit (the “baptism”).   He then tells them, though they don’t know it, that they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Pentecost) and suffer (James is martyred and John is exiled).

The 10 other disciples are indignant at James and John’s desire to be honored by Christ above them.  Jesus, aware of the bickering, summons the disciples and rebukes their desire for honor. Comparing their desires for glory to the lust for power of the Gentiles, Jesus directs the disciples to instead model their behavior on Him and aspire to be a servant and slave for the salvation of others.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Jesus as Divine Leader, leads the disciples towards His own death in Jerusalem.  He is the Divine Prophet, accurately provide details of His own death and the suffering of the disciples.  Divine Priest, He mysteriously refers to the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist and the celebration of Pentecost.  As Divine King, Jesus talks tough to His disciples, rebuking and correcting their foolishness and directing them to model themselves only on Him.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Men often make selfish demands of Jesus in prayer. Instead, consider asking Christ to show you His will.  Be prepared that, like the disciples, Jesus may ask you to endure suffering for the Gospel.

2) James and John, driven by the vice of pride, seek self glory.  Reflect on how your own pride is a constant temptation and Christ’s direction to be a “servant” and a “slave” to others.

3) Many men take the Sacraments for granted, some even present themselves for the Eucharist while in a state of unrepentant mortal sin.  Consider how God has mysteriously woven the Eucharist throughout the Old Testament and Christ’s own establishment of the Eucharist.  Think on this until a sense of awe overwhelms you.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Glorious Mysteries

Daily Devotion – Saint Joseph

Virtue of the Day – Temperance