First Reading
Isaiah 53:10-11
Yet it was the will of the LORD to bruise him; he has put him to grief; when he makes himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand; he shall see the fruit of the travail of his soul and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous; and he shall bear their iniquities.
Second Reading
Hebrews 4:14-16
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Gospel
Mark 10:35-45
And James and John, the sons of Zeb’edee, came forward to him, and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And 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; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Reflection
Mark 10:35-45 presents a profound lesson on the nature of true greatness and the call to servanthood in the kingdom of God.
James and John, seeking positions of honor, ask Jesus to grant them seats at His right and left in His glory. Their request reveals a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus’ mission and the kingdom He came to establish. They are thinking in terms of earthly power and prestige, not realizing that true greatness in God’s kingdom is measured differently.
Jesus responds by asking if they are able to drink the cup He drinks or be baptized with His baptism, referring to His impending suffering and death. When they affirm their willingness, Jesus acknowledges that they will indeed share in His sufferings, but He clarifies that the positions of honor they seek are not His to grant. This highlights that such honors are determined by God’s sovereign will.
The other disciples’ indignation at James and John’s request prompts Jesus to teach a crucial lesson about leadership and greatness. He contrasts the worldly view of authority, where rulers dominate and exercise power over others, with the kingdom principle of servanthood. In God’s kingdom, greatness is defined by humility and service. The greatest among Jesus’ followers must be the servant of all, and the first must be the slave of all.
Jesus exemplifies this principle through His own life and mission. He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. This ultimate act of self-sacrifice sets the standard for true greatness and leadership in the kingdom of God.
Reflecting on this passage, we are challenged to examine our own ambitions and attitudes towards leadership and service. Are we seeking recognition and power, or are we willing to serve others selflessly? This gospel invites us to embrace the path of humility and service, following Jesus’ example of sacrificial love.
How does this passage resonate with your own experiences and understanding of leadership and service?