ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BECOME GREAT AMONG YOU MUST BE YOUR SERVANT
As we contemplate Jesus as the Servant King, our readings today challenge us to consider themes of service and sacrifice. The First Reading comes from Isaiah’s fourth song of the suffering servant. Although the servant is rejected because of the message he proclaims, and will suffer because of it, his sufferings will ’justify many’.
The Psalm encourages us to look with hope to the Lord always, especially in challenging times. We can trust in his merciful and loving help, for he is ‘our help and our shield’. The Second Reading then reminds us that we can trust even more in finding mercy and grace in times of trouble, because Jesus shared in our humanity. Although he remained without sin, he knows all that human nature brings, including the temptations.
The Gospel brings us full circle as Jesus again speaks of the sacrifice that he, ‘the Son of Man’, will make. We see James and John approach Jesus seeking a share in his glory. He foretells the suffering that they, like him, will face, and reminds us all that, above all else, we must serve those in need.
Source: Excerpted from the Scripture reflection courtesy of St Beuno’s Outreach in the Diocese of Wrexham, available at www.australiancatholics.com.au. Image from Liturgy Help.