SUNDAY- 29^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

I Reading: Isaiah 53:10-11: If he offers his life in atonement, he shall see his heirs, he shall have a long life.

II Reading: Hebrews 4: 14-16: Let us be confident in approaching the throne of grace.

Gospel: Mark 10:35-45: The Son of Man came to give his life as a ransom for many.

The Problem of Ambition, Mk 10:35-45

Today’s first reading and the gospel reflects on the suffering servant who saves the humankind. Jesus teaches his disciples how to serve as a servant and a slave; whereas James and John looking for power. Pleasure, position and power are linked with the three types of temptations of Jesus. Jesus overcame the temptations by his total obedience to the will of his Father and saved the humankind through his suffering, death and resurrection.

We need today Christ’s servant leadership concern towards others especially to the poor, suffering and marginalised in the society.

Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem where his death and resurrection were to take place. We, who live today, know what Jesus meant by his death and resurrection. He was to die for our sins and be raised again to impart new life to us. But the disciples did not know this. James and John were assuring themselves of key positions in Jesus’ government. But Jesus taught them how to be a follower to continue his mission not through power or position or possession but through sacrifice/suffering and service.

1. The deceitful of wrong ambition (v.35)

a. a secret approach

b. un unlimited request

2. The possible motives for ambition (v.36-37)

a. favouritism and wealth

b. power and social status

c. love, faith, loyalty

3. The great price of ambition (v.38-39)

a. the cup: sacrifice and suffering

b. the baptism: immersed and submerged

c. the prophecy: the certainty of paying the price

4. the exclusive right of God regarding ambition (v.40)

5. The potential conflict among men with ambition (v.41)

6. The greatness of good ambition (42-44)

a. not to rule, not to exercise authority

b. to be a servant

c. to be a slave, a bond-slave

7. The supreme example of ambition (v.45)

a. supreme humiliation

b. supreme mission

c. supreme price

Thought: The three temptations of Jesus are connected with pleasure-turn these stones into bread..., position-I will give you all these things... and power-if you are the Son of God.....whereas the three evangelical counsels (poverty, chastity and obedience) will give us to live a radical life of the discipleship.

Selfish ambition can cause some terrible things among people. It can cause...jealousy, suffering, sneakiness, bitterness, bitterness, death, self-centeredness, hatred, envy, divisiveness, conflict, anger, destruction etc.

(Mt 23:12, Prov 17:19).

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