Twenty Ninth Sunday of the Year: B: October 17, 2021

               AUTHORITY AS SERVICE

First Reading: Isaiah 53: 10-11

Second Reading: Hebrews 4: 14-16

Gospel Reading: Mark 10: 35-45

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about the suffering servant of Yahweh (the Lord God) who will suffer for the sins of others. Through him many will be brought to the Lord God. But he will have to suffer iniquities for the sins of others. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfillment in Jesus who suffered for the sins of the whole world. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Hebrews. It explains to us that Jesus in His earthly life was like us in all things except sin. Hence He knows our every weakness. This reality should help us to approach the Lord in all our needs without any hesitation or doubts. 

'Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant'                                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A short explanation about who is truly great in the kingdom of God is given. The context was that James and John, sons of Zebedee made a request to Jesus. They wanted to sit one at the right hand and the other at the left hand of Jesus when He comes in His glory. The request in itself is quite legitimate. Because everyone aspires to have power and authority in this world. It is observed in daily lives -be it in the political sphere or in religious sphere- people invariably look for powerful positions so that they can control the lives of others. However Jesus has a totally different notion about authority. Jesus expresses it in today's Gospel. According Him authority is not for lording over other humans but for serving others. Jesus expresses it by telling His disciples. "Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all." James  and John wanted to be great by sitting at the right hand and at the left hand of Jesus. But Jesus teaches them how to be truly great in the kingdom of God. In order to be great we have to be at the service of others. Today Jesus is challenging us to be great not by gaining power and authority or by sitting on a prominent chair and getting the attention of others but by being at the service of others. Hence all acts of love and service for other humans is the criteria for true greatness.

"Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellowmen." - M.K. Gandhi

"Service to humanity is service to God." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.