“Un favorcito” / "A little favor"

Una reflexión basada en Mark 10:35-45

Uno de mis vecinos, que es carpintero, nos ayudó a construir una mampara acrílica para los cultos presenciales durante el Covid. / One of my neighbors, who is a carpenter, helped us build an acrylic shield for in-person worship during Covid.

por Magdalena I. García

Un favorcito le pidieron a Jesús
Santiago y Juan,
dos discípulos osados,
más no era poca cosa lo que pretendían:
deseaban ocupar junto al Maestro
puestos privilegiados.

Jesús no vacila
en reprender tal atrevimiento;
y les aclara que han olvidado
el precio que se paga por retar al poder,
algo que estos ingenuos
quizás no han considerado.

Afirman estar dispuestos
a enfrentar lo que sea necesario
para alcanzar su sueño dorado,
sin percatarse que con su petición
han traicionado la comunidad
y la hermandad han pisoteado.

Jesús aprovecha el momento
para impartir una lección
sobre liderazgo y discipulado
y ante todos los presentes
aclara de una vez por todas
lo que en su vida ha demostrado:
el camino de la grandeza
pasa por la humildad
y por el servicio desinteresado.

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“A little favor”

A reflection based on Mark 10:35-45

by Magdalena I. García

A little favor Jesus was asked
by brothers James and John,
two ambitious disciples,
but it was no small potatoes they requested:
they wanted places of privilege
right next to the Master.

Quick on his feet,
Jesus scolds their presumption
and reminds them of something
they seem to have forgotten:
speaking truth to power entails risk
and is often a recipe disaster.

But they claim to be ready
to face whatever challenges may arise
in the pursuit of this coveted opportunity,
failing to see how this petition
has angered their close friends
and betrayed their community.

Jesus seized the moment
and taught them another lesson
about leadership and human relations,
discussing the core values
that in his own life and ministry
he has embodied and set in motion:
the path to true greatness
is paved with humility and selfless service,
and cemented with sacrifice and devotion.

© Magdalena I. García