29th Sunday of Ordinary

Today’s readings describe leadership as the service of others and portray Jesus as the best example of it. In scripture, “cup” and “baptism” are sometimes images of suffering. The prophet Isaiah spoke about the suffering servant; which basically refers to Jesus Christ. Isaiah foretold that the servant would give his life as an offering for our sins. The goal of Jesus life and death was not power over others but rather the service of others.

Jesus invites us to come and follow him. And, just as James and John did, we shall experience what it means to follow Jesus. We will daily discover opportunities to give our life for others. And we shall feel pain. Yet, the letter to the Hebrews, our second reading offers us hope for such occasions. Because, Jesus experienced such things more than we do.  By living among us Jesus has made God approachable. We can ask for and received mercy and favor and help in times of need. 

Being a servant does not mean allowing people to walk over us. Jesus was not afraid to stand up for himself. A parent who always let their child have his own way would be doing a disservice to their child.  A teacher who would let a student bet by with cheating or not doing their world would be a poor servant s well as poor teacher. In other worlds, being a servant to others does not always gain us popularity. Jesus knew he was making a lot of enemies by the work he was doing. He was, nonetheless, ready to lay down his life in order to serve other, even when people ignored him. Misunderstood him, didn’t appreciate what he was doing or hated him for it. 

As Christians we are called to be givers. When we serve those in need. we represent the approachable God who calls all. St. Thomas Aquinas said, “Happiness is the attainment of the Perfect good. Whoever, therefore is capable of the perfect good can attain happiness.” Some years ago a friend attended to his friend who was dying of cancer. He dealt with his suffering with a great deal of peace. He told his friend one of the things that gave him peace was that in life he always tried to give more than he had taken. G.K. Chesterton said, “You matter and I matter, That is the highest theology.” 

Today is World Mission Sunday, and also we need your help for Hurricane relief special collection. Remember the pastor who told his parishioner: “I have good news and bad news. The good news is that we have all the money we need. The bad news is, it’s in your pockets.”