October 20, 2024
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 53:10-11
Psalm 33
Hebrews 4:14-16
Mark 10:35-45
The Suffering Servant
The opening line of the first reading states, “The Lord was pleased to crush him in infirmity.” The one the scripture is speaking of is the Suffering Servant. It is a portion of what is known as the Suffering Servant Song. It spans Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12.
The Suffering Servant is a figure from the Old Testament. He is a model of service. He endured ridicule, abuse, and rejection. Nevertheless, the Servant remained faithful to God and was determined to serve Him. In the Old Testament, he is a type of Christ. That is, for Christians the Suffering Servant is a messianic prophecy about Jesus. New Testament writers quoted this passage and explained that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies.
Suffering is a mystery. As such it points to a deeper meaning of life. The servant is given as an offering for sin. Through the suffering comes the glory, “…he shall see his descendants in a long life….” For the Jewish person to see one’s descendants is a great blessing. It means he or she was gifted with a long life.
As we go through this earthly life we may encounter challenges that bring about a sense of suffering. What should one do then? Should one “dig in” and stand on his or her own feet and defy the elements of life? The scriptures suggest otherwise.
The response to today’s psalm, Psalm 33, states, “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” The psalmist recognizes the Lord God is upright and that “all his works are trustworthy.” Thus, he solicits the Lord’s help. Again, the psalmist notes, “all [God’s] works are trustworthy….” He lists the attributes of God when he says God loves justice and right and that God’s kindness fills the earth.
Through the second reading we hear St. Paul describe what the suffering of Christ gives us.
In Christ’s resurrection we come to Glory with Christ. His suffering gives way to great Glory. We receive the Joy of knowing we have a God in Jesus Christ who knows firsthand the suffering we humans experience. He experienced of himself. Therefore, the Lord can understand our challenges. Moreover, he shows us faith in the Father gives us strength of his grace.
In this earthly life there are no shortcuts. That is, the challenges, even great challenges, come to each person. Jesus is faced with teaching this to his apostles.
In the Gospel, James and John ask Jesus to give them places of very high honor and authority. It was an audacious request. Jesus points out to them that they do not know what they are asking for. However, they will learn from their misunderstanding and poor calculation of what his kingdom is. They will see his glory but after they become “the slave of all.” Service is the sign of the Kingdom of God. As I have often said, “Our moto is ‘service’ and not ‘serve us.’”
As I reflect on my life since I said yes to God’s call it is all about serving. Even as I have tried to get away from service, looking for “a break” another task is set in front of me.
I am no hero. It is not so much that I decide to be of service. God simply puts things in front of me. I have to respond to the challenges. I either do respond or I guess I would simply remain stagnant.
I cannot say what your life will lead you to. I just suggest you choose the more difficult way that is before you. Then like the suffering servant of the scriptures, God will supply what you need to move forward in his time and direction. Remember, the Suffering Servant of our salvation reached glory.
If you have been away from God or just from His Church, consider being a part of this parish community, Blessed Sacrament Parish. Speak to the pastor, Fr. Bob. You may also speak to Gregory who welcomes people to the Church.
The Suffering Servant is a figure from the Old Testament. He is a model of service. He endured ridicule, abuse, and rejection. Nevertheless, the Servant remained faithful to God and was determined to serve Him. In the Old Testament, he is a type of Christ. That is, for Christians the Suffering Servant is a messianic prophecy about Jesus. New Testament writers quoted this passage and explained that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies.
Suffering is a mystery. As such it points to a deeper meaning of life. The servant is given as an offering for sin. Through the suffering comes the glory, “…he shall see his descendants in a long life….” For the Jewish person to see one’s descendants is a great blessing. It means he or she was gifted with a long life.
As we go through this earthly life we may encounter challenges that bring about a sense of suffering. What should one do then? Should one “dig in” and stand on his or her own feet and defy the elements of life? The scriptures suggest otherwise.
The response to today’s psalm, Psalm 33, states, “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” The psalmist recognizes the Lord God is upright and that “all his works are trustworthy.” Thus, he solicits the Lord’s help. Again, the psalmist notes, “all [God’s] works are trustworthy….” He lists the attributes of God when he says God loves justice and right and that God’s kindness fills the earth.
Through the second reading we hear St. Paul describe what the suffering of Christ gives us.
In Christ’s resurrection we come to Glory with Christ. His suffering gives way to great Glory. We receive the Joy of knowing we have a God in Jesus Christ who knows firsthand the suffering we humans experience. He experienced of himself. Therefore, the Lord can understand our challenges. Moreover, he shows us faith in the Father gives us strength of his grace.
In this earthly life there are no shortcuts. That is, the challenges, even great challenges, come to each person. Jesus is faced with teaching this to his apostles.
In the Gospel, James and John ask Jesus to give them places of very high honor and authority. It was an audacious request. Jesus points out to them that they do not know what they are asking for. However, they will learn from their misunderstanding and poor calculation of what his kingdom is. They will see his glory but after they become “the slave of all.” Service is the sign of the Kingdom of God. As I have often said, “Our moto is ‘service’ and not ‘serve us.’”
As I reflect on my life since I said yes to God’s call it is all about serving. Even as I have tried to get away from service, looking for “a break” another task is set in front of me.
I am no hero. It is not so much that I decide to be of service. God simply puts things in front of me. I have to respond to the challenges. I either do respond or I guess I would simply remain stagnant.
I cannot say what your life will lead you to. I just suggest you choose the more difficult way that is before you. Then like the suffering servant of the scriptures, God will supply what you need to move forward in his time and direction. Remember, the Suffering Servant of our salvation reached glory.
If you have been away from God or just from His Church, consider being a part of this parish community, Blessed Sacrament Parish. Speak to the pastor, Fr. Bob. You may also speak to Gregory who welcomes people to the Church.
Peace and blessings,
Father Bob
Father Bob
Father Bob's
Video Reflections
Each week Father Bob posts a Video Reflection on the Spiritual readings for the weekend Mass. These Videos are not intended to replace your prescence at mass each week! Much like Scripture Sharing on Thursday evening from 7 pm - 8 pm, these videos act as a point of reference to enhance your knowledge and better prepare you to participate in each weeks celebration.
Each week the videos are archive and can be streamed by clicking on the Bulletin/Videos button above.
Each week the videos are archive and can be streamed by clicking on the Bulletin/Videos button above.
The Jesus Prayer...
Lord Jesus Christ
have Mercy on me a Poor Sinner.
have Mercy on me a Poor Sinner.
Sacraments of Christian Initiation
Click on the links below for more information
Sacraments of Healing
Sacraments of Service
This Weeks Scripture Readings
October 20, 2024
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I
Is 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.
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.
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 33
R. (22) 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.
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.
Reading II
Heb 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.
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.
Alleluia
Mk 10:35-45
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Gospel
Mk 10:35-45
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."
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come."
"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."
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come."
Next Weeks Readings
October 27, 2024
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 31:7-9
Psalm 126
Hebrews 5:1-6
Mark 10:46-52
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 31:7-9
Psalm 126
Hebrews 5:1-6
Mark 10:46-52
Pope Francis’ Prayer for Peace
Now, Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts, and give us the courage to say: "Never again war!"; "With war everything is lost". Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace.
Amen
Amen