Matthew 20:17-28: The Chalice
Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023
On this day when we acknowledge that we each return to the cosmic dust that God called into being, let us consider the story we read today.
Salome, the mother of James and John, the Zebedee brothers, asks Jesus to give her sons places of honor in the new kingdom; yet she does not fully understand . . . and so Jesus explains the terrible and beautiful importance of this special cup of blessing.
From Psalm 116 (verses 12-18)
What can I give back to God
for the blessings the LORD poured out on me?
We are accustomed to asking God for favors. Do we think about giving thanks for our cup of salvation?
I’ll lift high the cup of salvation—a toast to God!
We are accustomed to thanking God quietly and privately. Do we think to join our voices with others in praise of God’s goodness?
I’ll pray in the name of God;
I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do,
and I’ll do it together with God’s people.
We are accustomed to joining in Sabbath prayer and song. Do we think about giving testimony to a broader circle about God’s mercy?
When they arrive at the gates of death,
God welcomes those who love the LORD.
Oh, God, here I am, your servant,
your faithful servant: set me free for your service!
We are accustomed to approaching each day’s obstacles. Do we think about serving God by tending to the barriers we meet as Jesus does? Do we think about the cup we have asked to take as curse or blessing? Are we prepared to accept the cup that passes before us?
As we think about God’s beautiful and challenging cup of salvation, let us begin our Lenten practice. Rather than thinking: “Let us make three tents to contain the joy of God’s wisdom,” let us think instead, “Let us share the joy of God’s great gift of love”.
Tomorrow, the rich man and Lazarus.
Images from: http://mikeneglia.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist
The Noontimes 