29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Isaiah 53:10-11

Psalm 32

Hebrews 4:14-16

Mark 10:35-45

We do not serve a heartless and indifferent God. We serve a living, loving, compassionate and faithful God. Out of his infinite love, he sent his Son Jesus Christ into the world for the salvation of mankind. Thus, by dying on the cross, Jesus gave his life as a ransom for his brothers, liberating them from the slavery of sin and death. We can therefore identify Jesus Christ with the Suffering Servant in the prophecy of Isaiah.

In effect, the prophet Isaiah spoke of an anonymous servant of God, who would give his life as an offering for the multitude. By his suffering and death, he would justify many (Is. 53:10-11). The author of the Letter to the Hebrews also 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, made a request to Jesus. They were eager to secure seats at the right and left of Jesus in his glory. In replying to their request Jesus made 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 have someone who has been tempted like us in every respect, except sin. We have to trust in him in every situation. In difficult moments, we should not despair but go to him for help. Let us pray therefore that the Lord may grant us faith so as to approach his throne of mercy every moment of our life. May he teach us to serve one another, knowing that real power is service. Amen.