Jesus is the Good Shepherd, from the Casa de Pilatos in Seville, Spain Scripture Reflection for Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel of Mark 10: 35 – 45 As a Christian, how are we called to live out our vocation? Today’s gospel reading helps remind us that we are called to humble ourselves and serve one another, which is often contradictory to our human nature and societal norms. At the beginning of the reading, James and John ask Jesus for a position of prestige and authority in return for their obedience…much like someone would ask a good friend to give them a job in a supervisory or managerial role. Jesus goes on to explain that power and position over others has no place in his kingdom, and abuse and mistreatment of others will never be acceptable. He then makes the point that his way is different from the human way in that the first among us will be those willing to humble themselves and serve humankind. Because it is the way of Christ, Jesus is both Lord and Master and servant and slave of humanity. He came to earth in order to serve us, giving his life as payment for our deliverance from sin. This includes deliverance from the battle for power and prestige. This was an especially radical idea during his time period, just as it still is today in the 21st century. After all, we have all heard the saying “nice guys finish last” or “look out for number one”. However, as a Christian we can become great and participate in his glory by becoming like Jesus, who was a servant and slave, committed to making the world a better place. Choosing a path of servanthood, raising others up in status and serving them is a decision we make to live as a witness to the way of God. Janet Maurin, Angels in the Outfield Community, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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