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“What were you arguing about on the way?
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Mark repeatedly uses this phrase – “on the way”– to describe to Jesus’ journey towards Jerusalem.
But he’s not simply referring to that physical climb; he’s also referring to Jesus’ inner journey, one that became increasingly difficult.
As the Gospel tells us, Jesus knows that when he enters Jerusalem, he will be put to death.
And instead of being consoled by his friends, he catches them arguing over who’s the greatest, leaving him feeling totally alone.
Still, day after day, he gets up and inches his way forward.
And he will not stop until he crosses the finish line.
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Like Jesus, there are times when our path is steep and difficult to walk. But we never have to walk alone.
If, for example, we’re carrying the weight of a malignant diagnosis, the weight of bills piling up, or the weight of some other stress, we can share that weight with Jesus.
As he says, “Come to me all you who are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
The best way to go to Jesus is through prayer.
Spend a few minutes with the Lord today and taste his peace.