29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Isaiah 53:10-11
Psalm 32
Hebrews 4:14-16
Mark 10:35-45

           THE CUP OF SUFFERING

We do not serve a heartless God. We serve a living, loving, compassionate and faithful God. Today’s readings therefore celebrate Jesus Christ the son of God as the suffering servant who has paid the ransom for his sinful brothers.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the suffering servant who gives his life for others (Is. 53:10-11). The author of the Letter to the Hebrews presents Jesus as the compassionate High Priest, who by his own suffering is capable of sympathizing with us in our sufferings and weaknesses. Thus, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, having the assurance that he will show us mercy and help us in time of need (Heb. 4:14-16).

In the gospel, the sons of Zebedee, James and John, make a request to Jesus. They are eager to secure seats at the right and left of Jesus in his glory. In replying to their request Jesus makes a reference to the cup he would drink and the baptism he would be baptized with. The images of cup and baptism refer to the humiliation, suffering and death he had to undergo for the salvation and redemption of mankind. By his Passion and death, Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many and left us a perfect example of humble and selfless service to others as the way to greatness (Mark 10:35-45).

We should not therefore be afraid because we have someone who has suffered for us. We must trust in him in every situation. In difficult moments, we should not despair but go to him for help. Besides, we must learn to serve one another so as to alleviate each other’s sufferings. Let us remember that with Jesus power is service. May the Lord bless and keep all of us. Amen.

28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 7:7-11
Psalm 89:12-17
Hebrews 4:12-13
Mark 10:17-30

THE RICH YOUNG MAN

The Word of God is something alive and active; it works like a double-edged sword. It penetrates our inner being and reveals our secret thoughts. Yes, the Word of God always challenges us. Today, it challenges us to take a fresh look at our attitude towards riches.

The first reading tells us that there is nothing that can be compared with wisdom. Thus, the author held everything, riches, social status and privilege as nothing before the wisdom of God (Wis. 7:7-11). This passage reminds us of St Paul, for he lost everything because of the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ the Lord and considered them as rubbish in order that he may gain Christ (cf. Phil 3:8).

The gospel throws a challenge to each one of us, and not only to the young rich man. “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” was the question the rich man put to Jesus? It reveals his deep quest for salvation which is the ultimate reward for good life, a life of holiness. The man has contented himself with observing the commandments of God. Now Jesus asks him to go, sell all.... come and follow him. But the rich man went away very sad because he had great wealth. His riches, or better still, his attitude towards his riches, became an obstacle for him to embrace the way of freedom, joy and eternal life.

Indeed, asking a rich man to let go all his possessions and follow an itinerant preacher was not a light decision to take on the road side. But the request of Jesus and the subsequent interaction with his disciples show us that the way to holiness is not merely observing the law.

It demands letting go something dear to us, leaving something behind, detaching oneself from what is holding him back. It demands a breakup with what promises material comfort. The disciples had left everything to follow Jesus; and their reward was great. May the Lord help us so that our material possessions may not become an obstacle on our way to eternal life. Amen