Wednesday March 4, 2026

Matthew 20:17-28

Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, and on the way he took the Twelve to one side and said to them, ‘Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man is about to be handed over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the pagans to be mocked and scourged and crucified; and on the third day he will rise again.’

Have you ever been surrounded by people and yet felt so lonely? Imagine sharing with someone something that is bothering you and the next word out of their mouth has nothing to do with what you just shared. They were not listening the whole time you were pouring your heart out.

I don’t want you to read the passage above as Jesus giving his friends a usual FYI. No!!!! Our Lord is troubled at heart and decides to share this with his friends. The next thing out of their mouths was … can we sit at your right and left when we get to Jerusalem! Guys, REALLY?

Today we are being called to actively listen to our friends and family. What are they struggling with? How can we be helpful? What right questions should we be asking?

It is shocking how insensitive the disciples could be. Just because someone is strong does not mean they are strong all the time. You know I think of the many times I did not see or hear my mother’s pain or worry. She was/is always the strong one who bears all things. I wish I saw her tears as well.