WALKING WITH A MOOD OF WONDERMENT WITH JESUS CHRIST

A Lenten Reflection by Metropolitan-Emeritus Stefan Soroka on the Fifth Sunday of Great Fast

St. Mark tells us of the disciples walking on the road to Jerusalem with Jesus walking in the lead. He tells us that “their mood was one of wonderment, while that of those who followed was fear” (Mk 10:32). Then we hear of two disciples vying to sit, one on the right and the other on the left, when Jesus comes into glory. This caused some anger among the other disciples. Jesus calms them, saying, “You know how among the Gentiles those who seem to exercise authority lord it over them; their great ones make their importance felt. It cannot be like that with you. Among you, whoever aspires to greatness must serve the rest; whoever wants to rank first among you must serve the needs of all” (Mk 10:44).

Fear, mutual mistrust, envy, and pride rob you and me of the special gift of walking with Jesus in wonderment. We can be blinded to the needs and sufferings of others around us. We can forget the importance of being of service to others. The Great Fast invites you and me to walk alongside Jesus Christ with wonderment as to where He will lead us. We are reminded, “…the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve…” (Mk 10:45). Saint Teresa of Calcutta saw the face of Jesus in every person she ministered to, especially the sick and the dying. Through her inspiration, may we also cherish and search for opportunities to see Jesus Christ in the faces of those we serve!

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