October 21, 2012

Bulletin: October 21, 2012

29^th Sunday in Ordinary Time B

Isaiah 53:10-11; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45
I have heard the answer to this many times, but I still ask, ‘Why do good people suffer?’ Coupled with this are other questions, Jesus was so good a person why did He have to suffer? Did the Father make Him suffer on purpose? My mother use to say so often when something negative happened to me, “Offer it up for the poor souls in purgatory?” When it was about food that I didn’t like to eat, it was always “think of the poor starving children in China.” At which I volunteered to send them my spinach or fish; that response always got me in trouble. So I have questions, questions and questions, and if I ‘really’ listen, today’s readings can help tremendously to answer them.
What is the role that God plays in suffering is a big question. I can see being punished for what I did or should have done, but what about when I did nothing wrong? What about Jesus; He was all good why did He suffer, and why for ‘little old me?’ Today’s reading from Isaiah is so special to me and to all; in fact it is the most celebrated of Isaiah’s oracles portraying the Suffering Servant of God. Most commentators have understood the servant to be either a real individual or a symbolic figure created to represent the best ideals of Israel. Fr. Lawrence Boadt, an Old Testament scholar, says that today’s passage “expresses in moving language how God uses the undeserved violence against His servant to save other guilty people. It is the only instance in the Old Testament of vicarious suffering. This is the famous ‘Suffering Servant of Isaiah. It is a remarkable passage because it suggests more clearly than anywhere else in the Old Testament that God accepts one individual’s suffering to atone for the sins of others.” The Jewish tradition in the Talmud says that this servant is Moses who suffered as he led Israel through the wanderings in the desert. Early Christian interpreter’s (Acts 8:32-35) identify this Suffering Servant as Jesus.
What can be said is that Jesus throughout His life suffered ridicule and hatred from so many around Him. Ultimately He was put to death, thinking that this would ‘end it all.’ But Jesus did this as an example for me and for everyone. He did this to show that the gift of life was granted by God, not to promote my own interests but God’s. The Fall as seen in Genesis says it all: God said this is My plan, “Adam and Eve’ agreed, and then they wanted it their way. It’s not about my way but God’s way which is the only way that brings me and each person to Him in heaven forever.
Paul tells this in Hebrews saying that Jesus is everyone’s model and strength. His triumph gives me and everyone confidence that each one will experience the mercy and help that is needed, if I do it God’s way.
The Gospel solidifies this: Mark gives the example of two very close to Jesus who wanted it ‘their way’. Sure the others were upset, maybe because they didn’t think of it first or were just jealous. James and John wanted honor and glory; they were looking out for themselves. I wondered if these two brothers bickered among themselves before they decided who would be on the right side and left side of Jesus (maybe Secretary of State and head of the Military). Jesus says importance is found in service not in wielding authority over others. These two said they understood this, but it just shows how little they understood; they couldn’t even understand that Jesus had to suffer and die. He had just made this prediction (His third) in the previous passage (Mark 10:32-34). ‘Will you die for Me? Sure I will!’ I couldn’t say this in truth because I struggle each day in dying to my own selfishness, pride and a host more of things.
Donald Reeves in Sunday Homily Helps says this: “Let’s return to today’s Gospel to listen again to what Jesus has to say. A) Upon hearing His disciples argue over who rates the best seats, He told them they had things all wrong. ‘Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant, whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.’ B) Such teaching is radical, revolutionary, upsetting to the attitude of the culture then and now. But, it is a basic premise of Jesus’ teaching. C) Interestingly, some businesses have apparently recognized the wisdom of this teaching and urge their higher-ups to practice what is called ‘servant leadership.’ D) If corporations can recognize the wisdom of this lesson, surely Christians will have no trouble seeing it and more importantly implementing it. – Would that such was the case! CONCLUSION - Anyone who aspires to greatness must serve others. Quit lobbying for special accommodations in the hereafter. Instead, bend down to help others. Strange as it may seem, that is the way to climb. TRANSITION TO LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST - We continue by moving to a place at the table of the Lord. We can be confident and pleased that there will be no bickering for places.”



So I reflect on:

• When am I tempted to ‘lord it over’ someone else? What do I do? More importantly, why do I do this?
  
• Jesus was tempted and tested in every way and didn’t sin. When do I find this hard to believe?
  
• Do I go the next step and say I have to get rid of sin in my life? Why not? Jesus didn’t mince words on how I can get to heaven—give up my way and do it His way: serve and love…all…at all times.
  
• What does it mean to be humble? Can someone in a leadership position be humble and still be a good leader? Does being humble bring a sense of being weak into today’s society? Why do I have to take credit?
  
• “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Joseph Donders says “A ransom is the price you pay to free someone. The ransom paid here is Jesus’ blood, the receiver is God the Father, and we are the ones freed.” Where is my gratitude or is it still about me?