29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: Is 53:10–11
Yet it was the will of Yahweh to crush him with grief.
When he makes himself an offering for sin,
he will have a long life and see his descendants.
Through him the will of Yahweh is done.
For the anguish he suffered,
he will see the light and obtain perfect knowledge.
My just servant will justify the multitude;
he will bear and take away their guilt.

2nd Reading: Heb 4:14–16
We have a great High Priest, Jesus, the Son of God, who has entered heaven. Let us, then, hold fast to the faith we profess. Our high priest is not indifferent to our weaknesses, for he was tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sinning. Let us, then, with confidence approach God, the giver of grace; we will obtain mercy and, through his favor, help in due time.

Gospel: Mk 10:35–45
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Master, we want you to grant us what we are going to ask of you.” And he said, “What do you want me to do for you?” They answered, “Grant us to sit one at your right and one at your left when you come in your glory.”
But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized in the way I am baptized?” They answered, “We can.” And Jesus told them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and you will be baptized in the way I am baptized. But to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to grant. It has been prepared for others.”
On hearing this, the other ten were angry with James and John; Jesus then called them to him and said, “As you know, the so-called rulers of the nations act as tyrants and their great ones oppress them. But it shall not be so among you; whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you shall make himself slave of all. Think of the Son of Man who has not come to be served but to serve and to give his life to redeem many.”

Commentary
How does the Lord Jesus lead? The answer provides a model for all who strive to lead others in business, industry, politics, education, health care, the arts and all other fields of human endeavor. The answer also provides a model for parents, called to lead their families along the path of holiness.

Jesus leads by being a servant. He backs up His teachings by picking up the cross and shedding His blood so that we might have life and have it to the full. Jesus drinks of the cup of suffering so as to show His followers the path to true greatness.

Leaders of nations often act as tyrants to get their way, oppressing their subjects and manipulating their followers. Jesus proposes the model of servant-leadership, kneeling to wash the feet of His followers and stretching out His arms upon the cross to accomplish His mission of redemption. Those who seek to lead others in this world can do no better than to follow the example of Jesus and to extend themselves in selfless service to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

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