Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 20, 2024

Date: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Mark 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel message for today comes to us from the Gospel of Mark. It recounts Jesus’ response to the request of two disciples for places of honor. Knowing what He will have to endure as our redeemer, Jesus asks the two if they are willing and able to endure similar sufferings. They of course respond that they are because they don’t yet comprehend Jesus’ warnings that He would die upon the cross for us.

The reaction of the other disciples is understandable. Jesus uses the moment to teach the disciples that like our savior and teacher, we are sent as servants not dignitaries.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I seek to live my faith in Jesus and my discipleship by seeking to serve Christ by serving others?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son, Jesus, to dwell among us, to lead us and to teach us through His own life and example, most especially through His selfless sacrifice for us and our salvation upon the cross on Calvary. Send your Spirit to tenderize our minds and hearts so that we might put on the aprons of humility and serve out of love for You and one another. Grant that we may not seek honor but instead life with You in abundance. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.