29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

The world hates suffering.

Yet, in Isaiah we read, “The Lord was pleased to crush in infirmity.”  Isaiah is speaking of the suffering servant who will save us from our sins.  This is fulfilled in Jesus’ suffering as He undergoes his Passion and is crucified to save us from our sins.  “Through his suffering” Jesus has justified many as He takes our guilt upon himself.

Suffering can bring redemption.  At times we may feel crushed by our suffering.  We are called to hand our suffering over to the Lord and ask that He bring something good from our suffering.

While this passage from Isaiah was part of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Jews had forgot it.  They were not looking for a messiah who would be the suffering servant.  They expected a messiah would become restore the earthly kingdom of Isaiah and be their king.

It is with this expectation that James and John came to Jesus to ask for the places of honor at his right and his 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.”

James and John did not know what Jesus was speaking of.  To “drink the cup” that Jesus drinks is to share in his suffering.  Jesus experienced a baptism of blood. 

Are you willing to suffering to share in Jesus’ cup? 

Are you willing to shed your own blood for others as Jesus did for you?

James and John said yes.  They were still seeking places of honor.  When the rest of the Twelve heard this, “they became indignant at James and John.”  The ten were not thinking, “poor James and John, they don’t get it.”  No, the ten likely wanted the places of honor for themselves.

Jesus summoned them all together to give them a lesson in leadership. 

A good leader does not seek leadership for their own glory.  They do not lord their position over those they rule off.  Jesus teaches, “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.”

A good leader is not interested in their own wants and needs.  A good leader puts the needs of their people first.

Where do we find the perfect example of this?

In Jesus. 

“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus paid the ransom for your sins.  Follow him!

Peace,

Fr. Jeff