Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Scripture Reflection - Oct. 17, 2021
Isaiah 53:10-11, Hebrews 4:14-16,
Gospel - Mark 10:35-45
While looking over today’s readings, a few words popped out at me: the Responsorial Psalm spoke of mercy and trust; and the second reading in Hebrews spoke of grace and mercy. So, before moving on to Mark’s Gospel, I sat quietly with the three words: mercy, trust and grace and asked, “What would you have me hear, Lord?”
In Mark’s Gospel we find James and John speaking to Jesus, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” My immediate reaction was, “uh-oh, Jesus is going to be really mad.” But, Jesus wasn’t mad and calmly responded, “What do you wish me to do for you?” Their unabashed boldness did not seem to faze Jesus; their trust, inherent in their boldness.
I then returned to Hebrews, specifically verse 16, “so let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.”
Lastly, Jesus instructs, “whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.”
Again, after sitting quietly for some time, I asked, “Lord, what would You have me hear” and as I readied my pen, the following prayer took shape: “Merciful Lord, show us how to serve others in these times that are fraught with division and strife. Give us the confidence to approach your throne of grace with boldness, asking for all that is in our hearts, knowing that you will respond, “What do you wish me to do for you?” Amen.
Peggy Roach, Associate