That is the message of this Sunday’s Gospel reading (Mk 10:32-45). James and John asked Jesus: “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” And Jesus replied: “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”

No servant is greater than his master (Jn 15:20), and our Master suffered a most agonizing trial and death – a ‘cup’ (Lk 22:42) to be consumed before the work of salvation could be ‘finished’ (Jn 19:30). Likewise, for us the road to heaven is paved in suffering. Can you drink the chalice of Our Lord?

They said to him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized.

The good news is that we do not suffer alone. Today’s second reading is so beautifully consoling:

Brothers and sisters: Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. (Heb 4:14-16)