This week's Gospel story is great. (You can read it in Mark 10:35-45.) In it James and John make a request of Jesus saying, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory."

From our perspective, we recognize that they had no idea what they were asking! They pictured Jesus coming to political power with them as his 'cabinet.' Instead Jesus would be tortured and killed and the seat of glory would be in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus counters their question asking, "Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They assured Jesus that they were able, but Jesus still wouldn't promise them the places of honor.

Our inclination is to be hard on James and John. Who do they think they are anyway? But, at times like these, it may help to recognize that we may not be all that different from these early disciples. We like to be recognized as special. Serving God by serving others doesn't always come naturally.

As we prepare for Sunday, we can ask ourselves: Where are we doing good for others and for the community? What forms of greatness do we see around us? Can we drink the cup?