Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/themes/custom/usccb_readings/images/bg_page.jpg
James and John shock us by their behavior, “[they] ask for a favor – a worthy one… They ask to be … in the owner’s box when the ‘kingdom’ comes marching in.” [Preparing for Sunday, the word_gillich. 10/21/12]
Jesus responds to their request with a lesson on authority in The Kingdom! “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.” [Mark 10] Jesus understood James & John, He understood Peter and Thomas, He understood the Apostles [inc. Judas]. He understands us, He understands us because He is fully God and fully human. Henri Nouwen said that ever since the Fall in the Garden of Eden we have been tempted to replace love with power. [Sermons.com 10/21/12]
“During the American Revolution, a man in civilian clothes rode past a group of soldiers repairing a small defensive barrier. Their leader shouted instructions but made no attempt to help them. Asked why by the rider, he retorted, ‘Sir, I am a corporal!’ The stranger apologized, dismounted, & proceeded to help the exhausted soldiers. The job done, he turned to the corporal & said, ‘Corporal, next time you have a job like this and not enough men to do it, go to your commander-in-chief, and I will come & help you again.’ With that George Washington rode off. Where did Washington learn leadership skills? From Jesus who said, “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.” The Apostles learned leadership from Jesus. Jesus calls us to live in the world as He did.
Our first reading from Isaiah points to the Suffering Servant – Jesus the Messiah & how? He will accomplish “…the will of the Lord ….” In the letter to the Hebrews, we heard “… let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy….” Let us take our hopes and fears, our sorrows and our suffering, and our joys each filled with gratitude and take them to our Servant King – Jesus Christ.
The prophet Micah tells us that the Lord requires three things:
1. to act justly
2. to love tenderly
3. to walk humbly with God.
We should follow that advice because it will enable us to shine the glimpse of God that we have been given with the world. We can do that by focusing on the little things we do daily [work, eat, socialize, play, care, etc.] and making them our prayer.
Those prayers of service will help build the God’s Kingdom.
Sometimes that service will include suffering, “Heartbreak is impossible unless there is great love.” Without love suffering and tears would disappear." [Eugene Kennedy] “No moment of human suffering goes unnoticed by God…. that we suffer speaks of our human condition - how we suffer speaks of our faith in Christ.”
Our Hope and Trust spring from Christ’s triumph over suffering, sin and death. His Resurrection gives us the courage to Hope and Trust– that one day we will share in His victory in heaven. Jesus wants us to accept His Grace and allow it to permeate our lives. Our faith professed in our Creed is nourished by our rituals and is lived by our discipleship of loving service. Today’s Gospel reminds us that we are called to be the Lord’s Servants.
For a few minutes, in silence, think about the servants you have been privileged to know – thank God for them and ask God for the grace to better imitate them and better imitate Jesus.
May God Be Praised.
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