does second place suck?

Homily

Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time C2

Feast of St. James the Greater, Apostle

25 July 2022

St. Lawrence Catholic Center at the University of Kansas

Does second place suck?

It certainly can.  There are worse things, for sure, so long as one gives his very best.  Yet there is a unique sadness to coming up just short, as a runner-up.  Think if KU had lost to North Carolina this year, how devastating that would have been.  Can you remember the last time you finished second, and how it felt?  I bet not so good.

James and John have some work to do, given that they had their mom give voice to their ambition, instead of risking the question to Jesus themselves.  Yet their boldness in saying that will do whatever it takes to be first, leads to the prophecy by Jesus fulfilled in St. James that he would be the first of the apostles to give all in martyrdom!

Be careful what you ask for, especially if you ask Jesus to be first.  Still, dare to ask boldly. It sure as hell beats being second.