Sometimes we might forget that we should be more charming in winning souls to Christ. Is it not a matter of method? Many recall the old adage that one can attract more flies with honey rather than vinegar. The goal or end remains uncompromised, but the means to that goal or end should be suave, when possible, in order to draw in the reluctant. The ancient Romans used to say: “fortiter in re, suaviter in modo; strong in principle, suave in method.” There is much wisdom to this approach, in general, and it was even used by our Lord, though not always. For example, just a few weeks ago we heard Him say to Peter: “Get behind me you Satan!” Jesus could not have used stronger language, but He had to since soon He would give up His life on the Cross in order to Rise again on the third day. Peter simply was not getting it. He had to be blunt.
In the Gospel for Sunday Mass Jesus is as charming as He can be. The apostles were debating who was greatest. They probably thought that greatness merely came by appointment as a matter of privilege and honor bestowed by a higher authority. They did not understand that Jesus had a very different view. In the mind of Jesus, greatness comes from being a servant to all: to lay down one’s life for others, to be a man or woman for others, to sacrifice oneself daily in love for the greater honor and glory of God. The greatest are those who take up the cross and follow Him. Clearly, the greatness Jesus speaks about and demonstrates is not easy; it is not a piece of cake. It is difficult and demanding. Those who expect it to be easy will eventually turn away. That will always be true.
Yet to attract us to consider the wisdom of the Cross, Jesus with great charm asks us: “Can you drink the cup that I drink?” Put that way it does not sound so bad. In fact, if we take the first step toward Him, in time we soon learn that He bears the burden with us and leads us to victory. Followed by many subsequent steps, and by the grace Jesus lavishly gives our soul, it is our fervent hope that our faith will become strong, mature, and vigorous, filling us with happiness now in anticipation of our union with Him in His eternal kingdom in heaven. Yes, Lord, we will follow you. We trust you.
Yours in our Lord and our Lady, Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor