Do I believe we can make suffering redemptive? Is it possible to transform our pain into something useful to others, something that will last beyond ourselves?

There were more important things in high school, to be sure, than receiving an award at the annual achievement ceremonies. Things like clear skin or getting the attention of that attractive student in the third row or acing a critical exam to pull up a sagging cumulative average.

James and John, Zebedee’s sons, came up to him. “Teacher, we have something we want you to do for us.”

There are many symbols that reflect our society, some for better and others for worse. The professional athlete is one of those symbols that seems to endure generation after generation. Children still look up to them.

“So, you want to be in charge? I hope you have your shot at it because then you’ll see just how hard it really is. You think it’s a matter of what you say goes. No, it means constantly compromising and negotiating and trying not to step on toes. It’s all about mentoring, coaching, and helping others understand their strengths and weaknesses. It is a big pain in the neck. More than anything, I hope you have a Patrice Tuohy on your hands because then you’ll know my true suffering.”

“I want to ask you a favor. Promise you’ll say yes?”

Scripture today will speak of approaching the throne of God not in fear but confidently to receive mercy and find grace to help us. With that hope we turn to God to ask forgiveness.

The evangelizing mission of the church is essentially the announcement of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness revealed to humanity through the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. It is the proclamation of the good news that God loves us and wants all people united in God’s loving mercy. God forgives us and asks us to forgive others even for the greatest offences.