October 17th - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Is 53:10-11; Heb 4:14-16;Mk 10:35-45)
This Sunday's readings are all about the Suffering Servant. Isaiah mentions him as one who is crushed in infirmity, but will justify many through his sacrifice. Paul identifies him as Jesus by citing his trials and sufferings that he endured for our sake. Jesus serves us as “the source of mercy and grace”. We also see the Suffering Servant in Mark's Gospel. In today's reading Jesus says he came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Then when James and John ask to share in his glory by sitting at his right hand and left hand in the Kingdom, Jesus tells them that they must also take on the role of the Suffering Servant. He challenges them to consider if they can “drink the cup” that he will drink. This involves embracing both suffering and serving. He also tells them they must be servant of all, instead of jockeying for positions of honor. From this we see that to be a follower of Jesus, we too must embrace the Suffering Servant role whenever needed. As followers, we do not seek out suffering for its own sake. But neither do we shrink from it when doing good causes us to suffer. Nor do we do good only when it brings us honor and recognition in this world. Sometimes the good that needs to be done is humble and without recognition. This should not dissuade us from such acts because our heavenly Father sees what is done in secret, and will reward us at the proper time, which may not be during this lifetime.