Sunday Readings Commentary and Reflections 29 th Sunday in the Ordinary Time B October 23, 2015 In preparation for this Sundays liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM 1 st reading: Isaiah 53:10-11 10 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. 11 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. The focus is on the servants suffering. Textual Context of Is 53,10-11 (Boadt) First Isaiah (Jerusalem) Second Isaiah (Babylon) Third Isaiah Second Isaiah chs Introduction to the collection of oracles Sober in tone More sober in tone, they abandon some characteristic themes of earlier chapters such as polemics against idolatry and disputes with the Babylonians. Latter chapters show a strong interest in Zion. Second Isaiah or Deutero-Isaiah 1 st reading: Isaiah 53: 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. 11 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. Commentary V.10a indicates Gods predicament to his servant. Gods acts as if he is a sadist. To avoid misinterpretation, lets pay attention to the next line. V.10b indicates what happens if the suffering servant offers his life (to expiate sins): he shall see his descendants he shall become the instrument of God in accomplishing his will V.11 further indicates the reward of his servant, who takes on suffering (affliction): He shall see the light Others will be saved (justified) He shall bear their guilt. Reflections on the 1 st reading The suffering servant, spoken of by the second Isaiah, lived some 600 years before Christ. The text captures well what would happen to Christ. God destined him to suffer for our salvation. The way to salvation is through his sufferings and afflictions. Christians should know the salvific value of their sufferings. There is no such thing as a useless suffering if it is taken in faith. Does your religion teach you to embrace suffering or avoidance of it? Resp. Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 R. (22)Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. 4 Upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full. 18 See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, 19 To deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. 20 Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield. 22 May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope in you. Resp. Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 R. (22)Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. 4 Upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full. 18 See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, 19 To deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. 20 Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield. 22 May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope in you. Commentary In the psalm, the psalmist expresses his trust in the Lord. He gives the reasons why: Upright is his word, v.4 His works are trustworthy, v.4 He loves justice He is kind v.5 He protects those who fear him. v.18 He delivers them from death. v.19 V.20 affirms God as help and shield. V.22 is a prayer for kindness. It repeats the idea of v.18 Reflections on the Psalm The psalm teaches us to trust in God. No matter how much we suffer, we must trust in God. The psalm teaches us that God will show his kindness upon us if we trust in him. God will not fail us. What is your criteria of a true God? A God who does not allow you to suffer or make sacrifices? 2 nd reading: Hebrews 4: 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. 15 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. 16 So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. The focus is on the priesthood of Jesus Christ. I. 1:5--2:18 The name superior to the angels (Eschatology) II. 3:1--5:10 Jesus faithful and compassionate (Ecclesiology) III. 5: :39 The central exposition (Sacrifice) IV. 11:1--12: 13 Faith and endurance (Ecclesiological paraenesis) V. 12: :19 The peaceful fruit of justice (Eschatology). Textual Context of Hebrews 4:14-16 (Vanhoye) Part II 3,1-6 Jesus, Superior to Moses 3,7-19 Israels Infidelity a Warning 4,1-13 The Sabbath Rest 4,14-16 and 5,1-10 Jesus, the Compassionate High Priest 2 nd reading: Hebrews 4: 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. 15 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. 16 So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. Commentary The text follows a pattern of alternating exposition and exhortation. The text considers Jesus as a high priest, not just a high priest but a great high priest who has gone to the heavens. [exposition] This is the only book in the New Testament in which Jesus is considered a high priest. So, let us hold fast to our faith (confession). V.14 [exhortation] In v.15, Jesus as a high priest understands our weaknesses (sinfulness), for he was tested too, except only that he did not fall into sin. [exposition] Therefore, we should approach him for mercy and grace. V.16 [exhortation] Reflections on the 2 nd reading As a high priest, Jesus is now in heaven. This assures us that our faith is true. Therefore, let us persevere in our faith (confession). Though Jesus holds this high position as a high priest, he understands us, he is sympathetic with us. He knows our weaknesses (because he became like us, subject to temptations). In faith, we can approach him for mercy and love. In this Year of Faith, we confess our true faith, we believe in Jesus Christ and in his forgiveness. Gospel reading: Mk 10: 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." 36 He replied, "What do you wish (me) to do for you?" 37 They answered him, "Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left." 38 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?" 39 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; 40 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." 41 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. 42 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. 43 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; 44 whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." The focus is on being servants. Gospel reading: Mk 10:35-45 Wish to sit 35 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." 36 He replied, "What do you wish (me) to do for you?" 37 They answered him, "Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left." Wish to be granted by the Father 38 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?" 39 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; 40 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." Reaction 41 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus teaching related to the wish 42 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. 43 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; 44 whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." A simple outline! Textual Context of Mark 10,35-45 Part I The Mystery of the Messiah: Revelation of Jesus' Person (1,14--8,30) Three sections, each beginning with a summary of the activity of Jesus and a narrative concerning the disciples and concluding with the adoption of an attitude in regard to Jesus. A. Jesus and the Crowds 1,14--3,6 (1,14f, 16-20; 3,60) B. Jesus and his Own 3,7--6,6a (3, ; 6,1-6a) C. Jesus, the Disciples and the Gentiles 6,6b- 8,30 (6,6b; 6,7-31; 8,27-30) Conclusion and Transition 8,27-33 Confession of Peter First Prophecy of the Passion Correction of Peter Part II The Mystery of the Son of Man: Revelation of Jesus' sufferings 8,31-16,8 A. The Way of the Son of Man 8,31--10,52 Indicated by 3 announcements of the fate of the Son of Man and 3 instructions on the lot of the disciples. B. Jesus in Jerusalem 11,1--13,37 C. Passion and Resurrection 14,1--16,8 The Later Ending 16,9-20 Immediate Textual Context Mk 10 Marriage Divorce Blessing of Children Jesus is now on a journey from Capernaum to Jerusalem (10,17) The Rich Man Third Prediction (going of up Jerusalem) Ambition of James and John The Blind Man Bartimaeus (in Jericho) Used with permission from PBS/UBS Gospel reading: Mk 10:35-45 Wish to sit 35 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." 36 He replied, "What do you wish (me) to do for you?" 37 They answered him, "Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left." Wish to be granted by the Father 38 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?" 39 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; 40 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." Reaction 41 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Commentary In v.35, the two brothers, James and John ask Jesus a favor. The favor is to sit with him side by side in his glory. Vv They do not know what they are asking. V.38 In v. 38b, Jesus explains the requirement, alluding to what will happen to him in Jerusalem (to drink the cup, to be baptized, to be immersed in suffering). In v.39, the disciples say yes. In v.39b, Jesus assures them that they will share in his sufferings. But in v.40, privileges are reserved to those who are chosen by God. V.41 shows the (delayed) reaction of the 10. Gospel reading: Mk 10:35-45 Jesus teaching related to the wish 42 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. 43 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; 44 whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." In v.42, Jesus teaches the alternative way of having power: Not lording it over Not making their authority felt over the people (oppressive taxes, coercion) But by being a servant, slave of all. Vv V.45 states the reason why: Jesus, the son of God, is himself a servant and he gives his life as a ransom for many. Reflections on the gospel Some people are ambitious. They want to be great. They want to stay in places of honor and power. They want to associate with those in power. Jesus teaches a new concept of greatness. If Christians want to be considered great by Jesus, they must stand at the service of others. They must be willing to sacrifice, to accept humiliations and undergo crucifixion, like Jesus. The authority of temporal leaders is usually exercised to preserve their power and to gain more wealth and prestige, at the expense of the poor. That should not be the case in our Church. Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The 1 st reading talks of the suffering servant. The psalm teaches us (servants) to trust in God. The 2 nd reading talks of Christ, the high priest, (servant leader) as the one who can understand our weakness because he was tried like us. The gospel reading talks about the greatest in the kingdom, the one who serves. We, as disciples of Christ, should focus our attention on being servants, not on occupying seats of honor. How to develop your homily / sharing We can begin by clarifying what is to be great in the eyes of God. The greatest in Gods eyes is the servant of all. Now share your reflections on service based on the readings: The first reading teaches that we, as Gods servants, must be willing to suffer and sacrifice, even unjustly. The second reading teaches that even Jesus as high priest suffered as a human being (lowly servant). So he can sympathize with us. A servant is one who tries to understand (who forgives). The gospel reading teaches that we should have a different standard of greatness, not a worldly, lording it over, but that of a humble servant, patterned after Christ. In the church / community / our common home, we have a lot of opportunities to serve. There are many needs to meet. Conduct catechism. Use the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Organize seminars on Verbum Domini. Conduct Bible Study. Help make liturgy alive by singing biblically- based songs. Conscientize people re climate change. Teach Laudato Si. He / she who wants to be great must be a smart servant of all, not just to some. In the church / community we should not be involved in power play, meaning, vying for positions of honor (malakas sa pari, hawak ang paggayak sa altar, monopoly of responsibility, mad if not elected chairman or president). We should not use the church for our economic and political ends. It is self-serving. Each one should discern his/her proper place (function) in the community and blend with others. No one should serve if he/she has no formation on the church ministries. Those in positions (the real servants) should not complain if those below them are never satisfied. The true leaders should not take seriously or personally the insults hurled upon them. It is part of life. The true servant-leaders should be prepared to suffer and die like Jesus Christ. They should be willing to embrace the cross. What kind of church leader are you? In the eucharist, Jesus nourishes us, sinners, in the form of bread and wine. In the eucharist, Jesus as a servant strengthens us, who have suffered a lot in his service. The eucharist is the food of true servants, who are willing to make necessary sacrifices to serve the brethren. Our Context of Sin and Grace Megalomania Holding on to power False servants False leaders Attention seekers Irresponsible authorities Runs away from pain Self-serving Egoistic Egolatry Ability to suffer Servant-leaders Self-effacing Selflessness Philantrophists Rescue volunteers Other-centered Servants of creation Suggested Songs Glory to God, new Sumasampalataya Ako Make me a Servant Make me a channel of your peace We are made for service