CALLED TO SERVE

⏰TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR B)

📖Isa 53:10-11; Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20 and 22 (R.v.22); Heb 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45

🎤CALLED TO SERVE

In our liturgy last Sunday, we were instructed on the need to be detached from the material things of this world in order to prepare a rich and better abode in heaven. Today, the call extends also to the way we embrace power and positions of authority. As members of Christ’s body, we are to imitate Christ in all things, and he is, above all things, a servant-leader who is ever ready to lay down his life for his followers.

The First Reading, which is taken from the fourth Servant Songs of deutero-Isaiah (cf. Isa 52:13 – 53:12), is seen as a pointer to the example of Jesus which we are called to embrace. Obviously, even his close disciples did not well understand that implication of leadership, otherwise, they would not have been struggling to be at the head of others as we see in the Gospel.

It is important to observe that it was not only James and John who were agitating for that top place, otherwise, the other ten would not have been indignant at them (cf. Mark 10:41).

In our country today, with the current political situations in which opposition parties try to outdo others to be at the top, this message becomes more timely. Those who are currently leading must embrace the sacrificial and selfless approach of the servant-leader, Jesus. Those who, on the other hand, wants to get to the top must be genuine in their quest for leadership position.

In our different micro positions as leaders, we must also try to reflect the person of Christ for the good of others and our society at large.

In all, what we actually need most urgently is to reinstall Jesus as the leader of our lives, our homes, our country and all spheres of our society. In doing so, like the Second Reading says, “We may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16)

As the heart of the king is in the hands of God (cf. Prov 21:1), we pray that he may turn the heart of our leaders to lead us selflessly so that we all might get satisfaction for our basic needs in this life, and be well disposed to prepare for life eternal. Amen.

Have a happy Sunday. Peace be with you.