Can We

She answered him,"Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom." Jesus said in reply,"You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?" They said to him, "We can." Matthew 20:21-22

Reflection:
What mother does not want the best for their son or daughter? Many mothers seek for their children to become great. But do they know what they ask as a price for them to pay. In today's reading we have one commanding that her two sons be seated one on each side of Jesus in His Kingdom. So he asks, can you drink the chalice I am going to drink? Their reply, they can. Since they have been with Jesus and know him, they know what life they will be living. And how they will die, as martyrs.

So again the question is, do we know what we ask for? When we seek a better future for our children, we seek to place them if possible, with the help of others, in positions that will give them much. But do we know what type of sacrifice they will have to endure for those positions? Some sell their souls to keep a position, by compromising their morals. Others stay steadfast and true. By the grace of God we will have a place in heaven with Him, when we stay loyal to Him. It is through Him all that we have is given, or taken away. So again do we know what we are asking when we seek a higher seat in this world, because it may not guarantee a seat in heaven. Will you be able to drink of the chalice, of loyalty to God?
Can you follow God's will and all that it entails? Can you drink the cup of bitters, where you will not be liked because of your faithfulness to God?