Ecclesiasticus 36:1, 4-5, 10-17 / Mark 10:32-45
If we had been to a class to learn a new language, we would know what the experience is like.
All our mental energies are focused on what we are hearing and trying to make a connection to how we can understand it.
So our ears have to listen, our minds have to think and make the connection, and meanwhile our energies are depleting and draining away.
And just after two hours of intensity, we may have a break and we would walk out of the class dazed and apprehensive.
We may be wondering if it is worth it to spend so much time and energy and gaining so little in return.
In the gospel, we heard that the disciples who were following Jesus were dazed and were apprehensive.
They have heard a lot of heavy teaching from Jesus about the cost of following Him, about persecutions and in today's gospel about service.
When we ponder on the teachings of Jesus deeply, we may also be dazed and apprehensive.
We are like learning a new language - the language of love and service.
Jesus is a good Teacher. Let us ask Him to help us understand that language. Then we will know how to love and serve.