"'You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’" (Mt. 20:22)

What mother would not do for her children what the mother of James and John did for hers?

They had been two of the most integral parts of Jesus’ entourage: the Apostles. Jesus had special confidence in them, as well as in Peter.

It must have seemed right for her to try to gain for her sons the perfect political future in the great kingdom that was to come with Jesus the Messianic King.

"Promise me that these sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and the other at your left." (21)

The bad part of having high aspirations and wanting great things is that we then have a hard time balancing ourselves not to fall into false ambition and egotistical thinking. That "balance" is even more difficult to attain if, while trying to "help and serve" others, we seek our own benefit. They are few who can manage wealth and their faith. "Anyone among you who aspires to greatness must serve the rest, and whoever wants to rank first among you must serve the needs of all..." (Mt. 26-28)

Psalm 37: "Those whose steps are guided by the LORD; whose way God approves, God’s teaching is in their hearts; their steps do not falter."

St. James the Apostle, brother of John, called 'the Greater' because he followed Christ before the other Apostle of the same name; first of the Twelve to be martyred, being decapitated by order of Herod Agrippa, c. 44; venerated at Campostella; mentioned in the Roman Canon; patron of Spain, Guatemala and Nicaragua.