This observation would undoubtedly be applied to James and John. Their thirst for ambition stirred up resentment and indignation among the disciples. Quite what was going on in their hearts is hard to figure out; it was not a particularly edifying kind of ambition. We say ‘particularly edifying’ for – rather like pride – not all ambition is wrong. Parents are proud of their children; we can be proud of our work; we are proud to be associated with teams, events or organisations. Such pride is human and understandable. It’s the same with ambition, is it not?
However, the Scriptures are quick to point out that selfish ambition is sinful. Indeed, through the process of maturity and grace, James himself wrote many years later: ‘If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth…For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
St Bernard of Clairvaux also condemned the vice in no uncertain terms: ‘Ambition is the mother of hypocrisy and prefers to sulk in corners and dark places. It cannot endure the light of day. It is an unclean vice wallowing in the depths, always hidden, but ever with an eye to advancement.’
So, there is no doubt that ambition of the kind displayed by the disciples was not noble or impressive. What then is the right kind of ambition? We are called to grow in holiness, to be ambitious for the kingdom of God: for the spread of the Gospel and the growth of Christ’s kingdom on earth.
