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
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