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Isaiah 53:10-11 Psalm 32 Hebrews 4:14-16 Mark 10:35-45
Today we are presented with the humanity of Jesus Christ, proclaimed as High Priest but also, paradoxically, a servant. The first reading from the prophet Isaiah is from the so-called "Suffering Servant" hymns which portray God's servant undergoing trials and suffering. It is not known who the servant refers to - the prophet himself, the whole people of Israel in their exile, or to someone else. But God reveals that the sufferings endured, though difficult, are life-giving for the sufferer and by through them for others.
After Jesus' own death and resurrection, his followers understood Isaiah's prophecy in a new light to refer to Jesus' own sufferings. Jesus taught that to enter into God's glory is not being given a position of power but drinking the same cup and following Jesus in his suffering. Becoming great means becoming like a servant or a slave to all.
These teachings may be as unpalatable for us to hear as they were for Jesus' disciples because they turn our human values upside down. How do I deal with my own sufferings? Are they connected to my discipleship of Jesus? Do I aspire to greatness? Am I prepared to be a servant? Let us pray with the author of Hebrews that we "find grace when we are in need of help."