James and John were two opportunists.
Their one aim was to rise in the ranks.
To achieve their end they did not hesitate to beg.
They did not mind how much envy and resentment
they aroused in their companions.
Their aim was to scramble up the career ladder.
But at what price to themselves?
If in the course of their rise to the top,
people lose themselves, their own souls,
whatever they do or achieve will be worthless.
Power hardens the human heart.
A hard-hearted person is incapable of love.
It is by giving that we receive,
and it is by serving that we grow in love.