AUTHORITY AS SERVICE
First Reading: Isaiah 53: 10 to 11
Second Reading: Hebrews 4: 14 to 16
Gospel Reading: Mark 10: 35 to 45
*First Reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah elaborates about the suffering servant of Yahweh (the Lord God) who will suffer for the sins of others. He takes on himself all the sins and sorrows of the world in order to remove them. Through him, many will be brought to the Lord God. But he will suffer much for the sins of others. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfilment 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 encourage us to approach the Lord in all our needs without any hesitation or doubt.
'Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant' Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A detailed explanation about who is truly great in the kingdom of God is given. This is in the context of James and John, the sons of Zebedee make a request to Jesus. They want to sit one at the right hand and the other at the left hand of Jesus when He comes in His glory. They are looking for a comfortable position for themselves. By worldly standards, the request in itself is quite legitimate. Because everyone aspires to have power and authority in the world. It is observed in the world around us - 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 and have comfortable and luxurious life style. However, Jesus has a totally different notion about authority. For Jesus, greatness begins with suffering and pain. Greatness is achieved through service. Jesus is known for reversal of values. He says: "The first shall be the last," "He who loses his life shall save it," and "He who humbles himself shall be exalted." Jesus expresses this teaching repeatedly in the Gospel. According to 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 the slave of all." James and John wanted to be great by having authority and power by sitting at the right hand and at the left hand of Jesus. But Jesus instructs 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. The word service might bother us a little because we commonly associate it with activity that is menial or demeaning. But the Lord uses the term service that includes any act that is noble and unselfish, any gesture that affirms and encourages someone, and any deed that is done with kindness and generosity. Today Jesus is challenging us to be great not be gaining power and authority or by sitting on places of honour and getting attention in public places. Hence, all acts of love and service done for other humans (includes all creation) is the criteria for true greatness. In this context, M.K. Gandhi says: "Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellowmen." And St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "Service to the humanity is service to God." May the Lord Jesus who came into the world not to be served but to serve, bless everyone of you and inspire you to do the same in your lives. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph." on Google search. Thanks.)
No comments:
Post a Comment