Through Lent with Pope Francis
Whereas love makes us rise above ourselves, envy closes us in on ourselves. True love values the other person’s achievements.
Amoris Laetitia 95-6
It does not see him or her as a threat. It recognises that everyone has different gifts and a unique path in life.
So it strives to discover its own road to happiness, while allowing others to find theirs. Love inspires a sincere esteem for every human being and the recognition of his or her own right to happiness.
I love this person, and I see him or her with the eyes of God, who gives us everything “for our enjoyment” (1 Tim 6:17).
This same deeply rooted love also leads me to reject the injustice whereby some possess too much and others too little.
That is not envy, but the desire for equality.
Scripture
Mark 10:35-45 NCB
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we request.” He asked them, “What is it that you want me to do for you?”
They said to him, “Allow us to sit, one at your right hand and the other at your left, in your glory.”
Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink, or be baptised with the baptism with which I am baptised?”
They said to him, “We can.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you shall indeed drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptised you shall be baptised. But to sit at my right hand or at my left is not in my power to grant. Those places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
When the other ten heard this, they began to be indignant at James and John. Therefore, Jesus called them over and said, “You know that those considered to be rulers among the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But this must not be so with you. Instead, whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be the servant of all.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Thought for Today
What of your different gifts and unique path on life do you most value?
Where do you experience a desire for equality?
How can we serve others in a way that allows each person to reach their full potential?
Music
Servant Song written by Richard Gillard and Mike Clifford