READINGS FOR TOMORROW: 29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

READINGS FOR TOMORROW: 29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

FIRST READING

FIRST READING: ISAIAH 53:10-11

The LORD was pleased to crush him in infirmity. If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him. Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.

The word of the lord

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: PS 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22

R. / Lord, let your mercy be on us,

      As we place our trust in you.

Upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.

R. / Lord, let your mercy be on us,

      As we place our trust in you.

See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine.

R. / Lord, let your mercy be on us,

      As we place our trust in you.

Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield. May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope in you.

R. / Lord, let your mercy be on us,

      As we place our trust in you.

SECOND READING

SECOND READING: HEBREWS 4:14-16

Brothers and sisters: Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.  So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

HOLY GOSPEL

GOSPEL READING: MARK 10:35-45 (OR 10:42-45)

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you."  He replied, "What do you wish me to do for you?"  They answered him, "Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left."  Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking.  Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?"  They said to him, "We can."  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 or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared."  When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John.  Jesus summoned them and said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt.  But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.  For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

The Gospel of the lord

 COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2018

The canticle of the servant in Isaiah 53 presents the servant of Yahweh who in-spite of his oppression is confidently presented as an expiration of sinners. Jesus in the Gospel reminds his disciples who were seeking glory that the character of his mission will be defined by sacrifice. The question for every Christian is; how much are you ready to sacrifice for your faith?

Sometimes, believing in God becomes a test of endurance where God passes us through the furnace of sacrifice for the redemption and good of not only ourselves, but of others too. Believing in Jesus means believing in his mission and the character of his mission. The God who incarnated to suffer for our sake. We should all incarnate the mission of Jesus in our person and like St Paul say; it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. This in turn means that I am ready to take my cross and walk behind him.