29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The themes of Jesus’ Passion and his title as a servant run through our readings of this Sunday. In our first reading the Prophet Isaiah tells us that God was pleased to crush him (Jesus) in infirmity/with suffering. If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he will bring long life/salvation and the will of the Lord will be accomplished in him. Through his suffering, obedience, my servant will bring divine light and justification to many.
The Psalmist reminds us of who he is: Upright is his Word. His works are trustworthy. He loves justice and his kindness fills the earth. He is our hope, help and shield.
The author of the letter to the Hebrews describes Jesus as a great high priest. He is able to sympathize with us in any situation we find ourselves because he too has gone through all the experiences of our daily life though without ever committing sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of Grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. Heb 4:16.
In the gospel, Jesus responded to the request of his two apostles, James and John. “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left”. Good request, is it? Jesus challenged them as he always does: Can you receive my baptism and drink the cup I shall drink? (talking about his suffering and death) They said yes. Good, but eternal life is for those for whom it has been prepared. Jesus went on to warn them about seeking worldly position of authority, power and greatness. He admonished them to instead seek to imitate him by seeking the position of servant, “For the Son of man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus is inviting us to embrace the virtue and position of a servant. Our church can rightly be described as a servant church. We can serve through works of charity and by sharing our gifts with the poor. Remember last week, he challenged the young rich man, “Go and sell what you have and give to the poor…then come and follow me.” We keep reminding ourselves that we can serve by being active members in the church, by belonging to the different groups in the church who serve. 
We can also serve in our homes, in our places of work, as a teacher, a banker, a physician or a government worker. Faithful service requires love, sacrifice and patience. It involves sharing one’s talent, skills, time, knowledge, gifts/resources. We are representing Christ wherever we work or even if retired. St Paul said, “We, are ambassadors of Christ.” We, are called to serve with love, kindness, mercy, justice, truth and make our world a better place and bring hope to the world. Jesus is our model in the virtue of service. In Phil. 2:1-11: St. Paul, tells us that Jesus served in humility. 
“Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus. Who though he was in the form of God…emptied himself taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness…he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a Cross.”
Today, Jesus Christ, invites you and me as his disciples to follow him through loving, humble and sacrificial/selfless service of God our Father in the strength of the Spirit all for the glory of God and salvation of the world.