Homily for Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Lent

As we just heard, Jesus asked James and John, “Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” In other words, were they truly prepared to share His chalice, to cast their lots with Him, to follow where He would lead them, even though it could cost them their lives?

In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me.” (Matthew 26:39) Yet, He went on to drink that cup on the Cross. At the Last Supper, He drank of the cup and then gave it to His disciples, who also drank from it. Yet, a little later, they deserted him and fled. Despite what they promised Him, James and John would not follow Him when things got really challenging.

We, too, are invited to drink from the LORD’S cup, the cup of sacrifice, the cup of suffering, the cup of the Eucharist. When we do so, we express our willingness to go where He leads and walk in His way, with all its challenges and joys.

Jesus teaches that His way of selfless service of others is that to which we are called. We pray that, in drinking from the LORD’S chalice today, we will be faithful to what that action signifies: walking in the footsteps of the Son of Man who came not to be served but to serve.+