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“What were you arguing about on the way?” (Mark 9:33)
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Mark uses this phrase – “on the way” – repeatedly to describe Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem. But he gives it a double meaning.
On the surface, Mark’s referring to that physical journey Jesus makes.
But on a deeper level, he’s referring to Jesus’ own inner journey towards his death.
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As Jesus tells his disciples plainly in today’s Gospel, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him.”
He knows when he enters Jerusalem, his life is over.
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Imagine carrying the weight of that knowledge in your mind.
If I said to you, for example, once you cross the Pennsylvania line, you’re dead. How many of us would run away or drive in the opposite direction?
That’s just self-preservation 101. Avoid all unnecessary danger.
But Jesus doesn’t.
Day by day, step by step, he teaches in their synagogues, heals their sick, and prepares his disciples for his death.
In that sense, Jesus carried his cross long before that wooden beam was laid on his shoulders.
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Tomorrow we begin the journey of Lent, 40 days of increased fasting, almsgiving, and prayer.
At times that journey may feel like a steep climb; we may be tempted to give up, to give in, to turn around.
But just as Jesus persevered, so should we.
How can we make this Lent count? In what ways can we take the road less traveled?
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If we persevere, then we’ll only be stronger disciples come Easter.