In today's gospel Jesus is questioning the twelve as to what they were arguing about along the way. They were all reduced to silence at the question.
They were caught in a compromising position. They were ashamed of their arguments, they were ashamed of their own speculation. They had not bothered with the reality of him being killed but all they could focus on was their position, their place, their honor, their reward.
So when Jesus calls them out, they are reduced to silence.
It is strange how things acquire their true character and find their proper place when placed before the eyes of Jesus. As long as they thought Jesus was not listening or not seeing the argument about who was the greatest, argument about honor and reward, seemed fair enough.
But when it was put before the eyes and ears of Jesus everything changed as it should.
This is why my mother, when she would watch my nephews and nieces, would always have them look at the cross and tell them, "Jesus is watching."
It was not an attempt at shame and guilt but rather a reality check.
Living in reality has a way of making us all better people who choose better things.
Living beneath the graceful and merciful gaze of our Lord is not meant to frighten us or scare us but to give us confidence in doing good and wonderful things. It is meant to reduce us to silence so that we might serve more and speak less.
As my Father would say, "If my hands moved as fast as my lips, everything would be different and everything would get done."
May we too be reduced to silence and allow our service do all the talking!
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