| Reading 1 | Response | Reading 2 | Gospel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is 53:10-11 | Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 | Heb 4:14-16 | Mk 10:35-45 or Mk 10:42-45 |
| RCL: Is 53:4-12 | RCL: Heb 5:1-10 | RCL: Mk 10:35-45 |
Discipleship: service to others vs power over others
During Ordinary time the Lectionary presents stories and teachings from Jesus’ everyday ministry. This week’s readings focus on discipleship’s call to absolute service.
First reading (Is 53:10-11)
The first reading is from Isaiah’s fourth Servant Song. In today’s pericope, Isaiah describes an unnamed man, God’s servant, who suffers pain (“crushed in infirmity”) and “gives his life” as reparation for others’ sins. Through this servant’s life and death, God’s will is done (“will of the LORD shall be accomplished”); that is, the servant “bears the guilt” so that “many will be justified.” The Lectionary editors chose this reading because Jesus describes his own mission in similar words (“give his life as a ransom for many”) in today’s gospel.
Second reading (Heb 4:14-16)
The second reading continues Ordinary time’s semi-continuous reading from the letter to the Hebrews. The sermon’s author draws parallels between the Jewish priesthood and Jesus’ “priestly” service that offers believers greater access to God. In today’s pericope, the author urges his hearers to “hold fast” to their profession of faith that Jesus is God’s Son. As God’s Son, Jesus enters into God’s presence in the heavenly sanctuary (“passed through the heavens”) and mediates for us as a “high priest.” Although Jesus is the divine Son, through his incarnation he is also fully human and “able to sympathize” with human weaknesses. “Tested in every way” refers to Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness (Mk 1:12-13, Mt 4:1-11, Lk 4:1-13). With Jesus as mediator and high priest, we can “confidently” ask God’s “mercy” and “grace.” The Lectionary editors chose this reading as part Ordinary time’s semi-continuous reading from Hebrews.
Gospel (Mk 10:35-45)
Mark’s gospel concludes his journey narrative. In today’s pericope, Mark presents two more ideas about discipleship: James and John fail to understand the mystery of the cross, and Jesus presents his ideal of servant leadership.
- Cultural expectations about discipleship and the kingdom. James’ and John’s culture prizes status and honor. They want Jesus to tell them where they stand and what authority he will give them in his kingdom. Jesus, who has just again spoken about his coming passion and death, asks if their honor and loyalty include experiencing his “cup” and “baptism” (dishonor and death). Their glib response (“we can”) and non-comprehension of Jesus’ passion predictions reveal faulty assumptions about God’s coming kingdom.
- Jesus’ teachings about honor and service. Jesus’ honor comes from service to others. He models his service on the servant in Isaiah’s Servant Songs; the fourth Servant Song (today’s first reading) portrays the servant as one whose transforms his own sufferings as a sacrifice or offering for others’ failings. Jesus expects his disciples to follow his example. Jesus teaches that greatness (honor) comes from being a “slave to all.”
- Jesus’ teachings about power and the kingdom. The Romans (“gentiles”) exercise power through force, intimidation, and a patronage system that ensured loyalty to the emperor. Jesus rejects all abuse of power or authority (“It shall not be so with you”). Jesus comes to “give his life as a ransom for many.” Hebrew scripture uses ransom to describe God’s actions in freeing or saving the Israelites from slavery in Egypt or from exile in Babylon. Jesus uses ransom as a parable to describe the transformative saving results of his death and resurrection. Jesus’ life and self-giving death is the complete opposite of human power. Each disciple and the collective ekklesia must reject the world’s oppressive power structures and follow Jesus’ servant leadership (giving one’s own life so others can be free).
Summary and reflection
This week’s readings ask us to think about service and the limits of power. Isaiah describes God’s servant as giving away his life to bring others to righteousness. The Hebrews’ author call Jesus the mediator through whom we can confidently petition God for mercy and grace. Jesus continues teaching his not-quite-getting-it disciples about how the call to power conflicts with his call to service to others. On what do we base our discipleship? Do we accept the suffering inherent in serving others who need, but may not want, our service? Do we care more about human honor and status than Jesus’ call to service and rejection of oppressive power? Are we willing to give away our own lives so others can be free?
—Terence Sherlock
The Lectionary In Context 