October 21, 2012

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 53:10-11

   The LORD was pleased to crush him in infirmity. If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him. Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; Through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.

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Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16

   Brothers and sisters, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

Gospel Reading: Mark 10:35-45

   James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." He replied, "What do you wish me to do for you?" They answered him, "Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left." Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" They said to him, "We can." Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared." When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus 

   Jesus clearly and openly declared his vision and mission. Two of his close followers also openly declared their wish. Their wish did not correspond to the vision of Jesus. They were longing for posts and position. One wanted to be on the right = place of honour. Another wanted to be on the left = place of the beloved. These disciples had been with him for quite a long time and yet did not understand the mind of Jesus.
   They were reaching Jerusalem. They were in the last stage. Jesus has already completed most of his mission (he has completed his personal mission in Galilee and now on his way to Jerusalem and he had to heal only one more blind person, Bartimaeus). Jesus was sure of what was going to happen to him. As he began his ministry so he entered into the last stage as well. No temptation (from Satan or from his followers or from the people of politics or religion) could deter him from his stand.