29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 20, 2024
Readings: Isaiah 53:10-11; Psalm 33:4-5,18-20,22; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45
In today’s fast-paced and often challenging world, we are constantly confronted with the pressures of success, recognition, and the desire for control. Many of us struggle with feelings of inadequacy, temptation, and the burden of our weaknesses. In this context, the Scriptures offer a timeless message of hope and transformation. Through the lessons in Mark 10:35-45 and Hebrews 4:14-16, we are invited to reimagine greatness not as power or status, but as service and humility. Moreover, we are reminded that in our frailty, we are not alone — Christ, our compassionate High Priest, understands our struggles and offers us the grace and strength we need to endure. These reflections speak directly to our contemporary experience, urging us to embrace a life of humble service and to approach God with confidence, trusting in His ever-present mercy and grace.
1. The Desire for Greatness vs Service of God
In the Gospel of Mark 10:35-45, we witness a profound lesson about the nature of discipleship and the heart of Christian service. James and John, two of Jesus’ closest disciples, approach Him with a bold request: they want to sit at His right and left in His glory. This request reveals a common human tendency — the desire for power, recognition, and status. But Jesus gently redirects their ambitions toward a higher calling, one that challenges worldly notions of greatness.
The request of James and John for seats of honour speaks to our own deep-seated longing to be important and recognized. Many of us seek success and recognition in life, often measuring our worth by how others perceive us. However, Jesus offers a new perspective on greatness. In His kingdom, greatness is not about elevating oneself but about humbling oneself. It is not about ruling over others but about serving them. What are the desires that drive me? Am I seeking glory for myself, or am I seeking to glorify God through my actions? True greatness is found in love, humility, and service to others, as Jesus exemplified.
2. Suffering and call to action with servant leadership
Christians have always been very fond of suffering and often spiritualize it! Jesus spoke about it in response to his disciples' questions. The "cup" symbolizes suffering for Jesus, and he makes it clear that following Him is not a path of glory but of self-sacrifice. To follow Jesus is to embrace His mission fully, including the suffering that may come with it. Jesus teaches us that true discipleship involves self-denial, not self-promotion. For, Jesus himself experienced temptation, suffering, fatigue, and grief during His earthly life.
Jesus contrasts the leadership of the world with the leadership of His kingdom. In the world, rulers often use their authority to dominate and control, but in Jesus’ kingdom, leaders must become servants. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all.” This reversal of values is the essence of Christian leadership. It contains love, compassion, acts of kindness, sacrifice and humility. Jesus' entire life was one of service, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of His death on the cross for the salvation of humanity.
3. Vision of Jesus, the vision of a Christian
Our desire for God actualizes when we align our hearts with Jesus' vision. Instead of seeking prestige, power, and popularity, we begin to seek opportunities to serve. Instead of pursuing power, we look for ways to empower others. This is the path of true discipleship — a life lived in the footsteps of Jesus, where service becomes the mark of greatness. It's not the power or position that makes you popular but the humility, love, service and compassion that you have for others in the name of Christ.
Jesus is our great High Priest, one who sympathizes with our weaknesses and opens the way for us to approach God with confidence. We can see the grandeur and significance of Jesus’ role as our mediator. He has made a way for us to come before God with our sins, struggles, and burdens. His priesthood is eternal, unshakable, and powerful. Despite the trials and temptations we face, we can remain steadfast because we have a High Priest who not only saves but also continually intercedes for us.
Questions for self-reflection:
- What are my deepest desires or ambitions?
- How do I respond to the challenges and temptations in my life?
- How do I view greatness?
- In what areas of my life can I be more of a servant leader?
Prayer based on Psalm 33
Loving and faithful God, Your word is true and Your works are filled with righteousness and justice. Your love fills the earth, and we praise You for Your goodness. We place our trust in You, for You watch over those who hope in Your unfailing love. Be our help and shield in times of need. Our hearts wait for You, O Lord, and we rest in Your saving grace. Let Your steadfast love be upon us, as we place our hope in You, now and forever. We make this prayer in Jesus' holy name, Amen.
- Olvin Veigas, SJ
October 19, 2024
1 comment:
Thank you Fr Olvin for the meaningful reflections and the questions for self evaluation.
Post a Comment