Everyone desires greatness. Like the sons of Zebedee, we often seek it for our advantage and in the wrong places. They asked Jesus for a place of honor, but Jesus responded, “Can you drink the cup I shall drink?”  

The sons of Zebedee didn’t understand the meaning of true greatness according to Jesus. They thought it came from power and privilege. So Jesus corrected them, explaining that greatness in God’s kingdom comes through the way of the cross. To share in His glory, we must be willing to drink the cup He drinks, which symbolizes sacrifice, responsibility, and maturity towards our partnership in His mission, the willingness to confront evil within ourselves and the world for the glory of God. True Christian greatness involves actively accepting responsibility and confronting evil, not avoiding it. It does not just mean being polite, attending Mass, or following religious rituals. Jesus drank the cup of suffering for us, immersing Himself in the sufferings we deserve. He did this out of love, delivering us from death. 

As Jesus asked the sons of Zebedee if they could drink His cup. He said the same to us: “From the cup I drink of you shall drink.” If we wish to be great in God’s eyes, we must hold fast to our faith. The trials and sufferings when doing what is right, good, holy, or fair are the share of the cup He promised to those who believe. So encourage you to confidently approach the altar of the Lord, drink the cup of His saving blood with humility, and embrace true greatness that comes through sacrifice, responsibility, and confronting evil with the love and power God provides.

CATHOLIC RESPONSE TO MARYLAND’S “REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM AMENDMENT” (QUESTION 1)

As Catholics, we affirm the dignity of every person, created in God’s image. This includes a commitment to protect life from conception to natural death. When you go to a polling place to cast your vote, Maryland voters will be asked to consider Question 1, a constitutional amendment promoting abortion rights. Since Maryland already has permissive abortion laws, this amendment is unnecessary and diverts focus from vital support for women, children, and families.

Abortion laws don’t tackle the deeper challenges many women face. Instead, we should focus on solutions like better healthcare, family support, and economic assistance that offer real alternatives to abortion. The Church supports women and families by partnering with organizations to provide healthcare, childcare, housing, and education, helping them choose life. Let’s work toward a society where every life is valued, and no woman feels she must choose between her child and her future.

Our faith teaches us to promote a culture that respects life and ensures that both the lives of the mothers and children receive the support they deserve. We are tasked to promote life and not abortion.