Fifth Sunday of Lent

Twenty - Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
† Sunday 22nd October 2000

Cycle of Prayer: The spread of the Gospel - World Mission Day

Theme: Jesus - invites his disciples to be servants.

A reading from the Prophet Isaiah 53 : 10 - 11
This is part of the text from what is known as the Fourth Servant Song in Isaiah. The ‘servant’ is at one with the people in their sorrows and suffering but distinct from them in innocence of life. The life of the ‘servant’ is marked by the total lifelong faithful service given to the Lord God. While the servant in life endures much hardship, “by his sufferings shall my servant justify many, taking their faults upon himself,” in the end analysis, God will see that the servant has a long life and will see his heirs. This then is the reward for the faithful servant, and, “the soul’s anguish over, he shall see the light and be content.”

Letter to the Hebrews 4 : 14 - 16
The author, will probably have been familiar with the writings of the Prophet Isaiah. Throughout this letter, Jesus is frequently compared with the Jewish Temple priests, but here in this text, the author emphasises the superiority of Jesus’ Priesthood, for in Jesus, “the Son of God, we have the supreme high priest.” Yet we are reminded that Jesus was capable of feeling our weaknesses with us, “though he is without sin.” That is why if we never let go the faith we profess, we can be, “confident in approaching the throne of grace.”

The Gospel according to Mark 10: 35 - 45
Last week the extract from this gospel contained a prediction that Jesus would be handed over to the chief priests and be put to death. Now this week, Mark spells out the consequences for the disciple of Jesus. The place at table, of honour, power or status is not what the Lord offers them. Instead Jesus promises them suffering and eventual martyrdom even death in his service. The keynote is contained in the word servant, ‘diakonos’ literally the one who waits at table. The true disciple will be one who gives service to others, and not the one who Lords it over others, or who seeks power. There is a profound message here for all who would be Jesus’ disciples.