Things to Ponder
I use this page to share messages of an inspirational nature, or simply something to ponder. It is my hope that you will always be inspired.
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Homily Reflections - Mark 10:35-45 - 29th Week in Ordinary Time
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Introduction: Servant Leadership
This Sunday, we move from last week’s reading of the young man called to give up his possessions and continue the challenging theme of what it means to give up everything (everything?) to follow Jesus. Last week’s Gospel passage, the focus was on our possessions – especially how we use the gifts of time, talents, and treasures. Are we good stewards?
Fallback Question: Are you a good steward of God’s gifts? How do use your time, talents, and treasures?
This week, the focus is on status and power – along with the reminder of the inevitable costs and responsibilities of true discipleship. Mark opens this particular passage with James and John asking Jesus to be given seats of honor when Jesus enters into his glory. However, they should have known better than to make this bold request, which concerns status in the coming Kingdom – especially since Jesus had been constantly highlighting servant leadership throughout his travels and preaching. (Mark further introduces this ironic question by showing James and John talking to Jesus as if he were their servant! “We want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”) Are you kidding?
Here Mark clearly dramatizes the disciples’ failure to grasp Jesus’ model of leadership. They just “don’t get it” – or perhaps don’t want to see it. Jesus’ view of leadership is so counter-cultural. It doesn’t seem to make any sense at all.
How do you exercise leadership? Name an example.
In this Gospel passage, Mark sets the stage for a fuller illumination of Jesus’ teaching on worldly power. Mark first shows Jesus distancing himself from the worldly, Gentile conventions of power, in which “those who are recognized as rulers . . . lord it over” others and “make their authority felt.” Next, he shows Jesus telling them how to act: “Whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” (The Greek word for “slave” signified those with no status at all.) Last, and most important, Mark shows Jesus explaining that by so doing, they will truly be his disciples – because he came expressly “not to be served but to serve.” Beyond that, Mark suggests by his final phrase (“to give his life as a ramson for many”) that Jesus has come to offer the ultimate sacrifice of giving up his life for the sake of others.
Can you identify a contemporary leader who exhibits a “servant leadership?”
It is interesting to note that when the other ten disciples hear what has been spoken by James and John, they “became indignant,” which shows that they too were seeking status!
What about us? Do we seek recognition, status?
I would invite you to take time to read and ponder words from the Gospel of Mark 10:35-45.
What word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted/challenged you?
What is difficult in living out this leadership role?
Further Questions and Reflections:
“Jesus must have knowns what was in their hearts when James and John approached him with such astonishing audacity. Surely, he had seen their ambition, their competitiveness with Peter, seen how their love for him and desire to be with him was tainted by self-interest and pride. Their words must have rubbed salt into his loneliness, a bitter reminder of his failure to convince even his disciples of the way of radical self-giving.”—Rachelle Linner
Is your ministry and service of others “tainted by self-interest and pride?” Examine yourself.
Jesus explains the importance of servant leadership. In particular, he seems to be preparing the Twelve for their leadership roles in the emerging Church.
Where are you called to be a “servant leader” in our parish and/or local community? Name it.
What are some key characteristics for effective leadership in our society today?
Deacon David
Deacon David SuleySt. Patrick Catholic ChurchRockville, MarylandPublished with Permission
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