SUNDAY- 29^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

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

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.

The Problem of Ambition, Mk 10:35-45

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

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

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