The SAME OLE SAME OLE

Sirach 36:1,4-5,10-17; Mark 10:32-45

It seems nothing changes.  The demands of Christ remain the same and the longing of the human heart remains the same as well.

Look at the first reading from Sirach: "Come to our aid, O God of the universe, look upon us, show us the light of your mercies, and put all nations in dread of you!...Give new signs and work new wonders...Give evidence of your deeds of old; fulfill the prophecies spoken in your name, reward those who hope in you..hear the prayer of your servant...lead us in the way of justice."

This could be a prayer of anyone and everyone especially these days as ISIS threatens the security and safety of people in the Middle East.  How often those being persecuted voiced a prayer similar.  And yet it is a prayer that most likely dates to 200 BC.

The human heart is what it is and wants what it wants.

Then we look to the gospel and we find nothing new.  For Jesus, service never goes out of style.  Jesus constantly insists on service and being a servant rather than being served.

Yet we discover the disciples violating the tenants of humbly by asking to sit one on the right an left in glory.  Jesus reminds them that it isn't a matter of just asking but doing and living: must be a servant of all.

True humility as St Francis de Sales reminds us involves generosity.  Humility in the heart produces generosity in life.  Thus service remains a constant for all of us.

The Same ole same ole.  That's the way we need it.