Weekly Reflection - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

"For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mk 10:45)

This 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Jesus is approached by his apostles with the desire to be at his right and left sharing his power.  Jesus makes it clear through word and example that his redeeming mission is one of humble service.  The chalice they agree to drink is one of the suffering that participating in his mission entails.  He washes his apostles' feet to give them an example and calls children forward to show them the simplicity needed.

When we suffer unjust treatment, it reveals many times that we are simply drinking the chalice the Lord promised.  One aspect of service today is the capacity to listen.  Jesus served all people regardless of race, gender or religion.  He showed the greatest compassion toward the afflicted but was stern with the hardness of heart of the Scribes and Pharisees.  

Questions for Reflection:  

• Am I prepared to listen deeply to those I may not agree with?  
• Do I make distinctions in my service to others?  
• Is it disinterested or do I secretly seek some type of compensation?