29th SUNDAY, YEAR B: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE
THEME: “TAKING UP THE POSITION OF SERVICE AMONG MEN”
INTRODUCTION:
Today is Mission Sunday, and the Church serves the world in different/various capacities; spiritually, socially, politically, morally, charitably and otherwise. There are therefore a million ways one can really be of service to the Church in her universal mission and service to humanity. And this service must come while we still live. A pig once lamented to the cow about his lack of popularity; how people speak of the gentleness and kindness of the cow and only speak about her (pig) with insult. She (pig) admitted that cows give milk and cream, but maintained that pigs give even more; bacon, ham and bristles. I don’t see why you cows are so highly esteemed. The cow thought for a while and gently replied the pig; “May be it’s because we cows are giving while we are living.” Serve and give while you are still alive!
THE FIRST READING (IS. 53: 10–11)
The first reading talked about the servant of God as one who took up bruises for others, who offered himself for others, who takes up the grief and travail of others, bearing their iniquities/sins upon himself. The missionary servant of God should be able to make some sacrifices for the people around him/her; should be able to take away some evil, pain, hardship, suffering and tears from others; should be able to bear the burden of others. Simply put, just share in the suffering of others to make it easier for them.
THE SECOND READING (HEB. 4: 14–16)
The second reading revealed Jesus as our high priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses (not always judgmental); who has also invited us to draw near to his throne of mercy/grace where we find grace and help in time of need. Jesus knew that we need him and he made himself really and sacramentally available to us. We are also called today to make ourselves available and get involved in the Church’s universal mission of sympathizing and being of help to the weakness and needs of others. We can actually be the throne/source of help, strength and encouragement to others both in faith and physical wellbeing. People who draw near us should really get help, blessing and encouragement, and not rejection and disappointment.
THE GOSPEL READING (MK. 10: 35–45)
In the gospel reading, Jesus corrected an impression among James and John and the rest of his disciples. He re-educated them that the son of man came not to take a place of honor among men, but a place of service and to give his life as a ransom for many. In the God and in the Church, we do not vie for positions of honor but positions of service. Hence, whoever wants to be a follower of Jesus must of necessity become humble servants, missionaries and givers, for there lays our honour and greatness.
CONCLUSION
Brethren, it is service that will lead us to greatness. That is why Jesus advocated for a missionary and service/servant spirit for his disciples. Service to others is a virtue closest to charity/love which is the greatest and summary of all the divine laws. Jesus himself came to serve. He is the servant who offered to bear the sins, grief and bruise of the people in the first reading. He is the throne of help in the second reading. And He is the one who gave his life for us to live. You can also be same to the people and the world around you!
Happy Sunday
Fr. Justin