YEAR B: HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE EIGHTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B (1)

YEAR B: HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE EIGHTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

HOMILY THEME: EVEN THE SON OF MAN CAME NOT TO BE SERVED BUT TO SERVE

BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon

HOMILY:

(Mk.10:32-45) Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

In the day’s  Gospel Jesus deals with the issue of service and entitlement. Two disciples, James and John, sons of Zebedee, wanted to secure their places with Jesus as a consequence of following Jesus. Jesus just told them of His fate. It brought a certain panic on them. Jesus challenged them and showed resolve by embracing what Jesus will go through.

Maybe Jesus wanted to give them what they desired, and more. But He clarified that following Him and making sacrifices are not about rewards. Aside from the fact that it was the Father’s prerogative to grant them or not, the true disciple does not seek entitlement. Yes, to sit at the right or at the left or any position of honor, authority, and advantage with the Lord Jesus is satisfying, but discipleship goes beyond them. Rendering service and fulfilling the life of a true disciple is its own reward. In other words, consider yourself already rewarded and graced by living discipleship.

Jesus pointed out the type of leaders which has no place in His Kingdom. Lording it over and burdening their subjects with authority are not true leaders and good disciples. Positions and titles are meant for service. With the gifts of power and authority are tasks and responsibilitie s. To serve and not to serve is their motto. Another caution here is to try not to make use of ones power and authority to take advantage of people and to gain wealth unworthily. Abuse and taking advantage of neighbor are not parts and even contrary to what power, authority, and discipleship entail. Specially in the Church, what is seen as “promotion” in the secular world just means added responsibilities in the Church. Yes, we laud those becoming Monsignors, bishops, cardinals, and popes. They acquire a certain status, at least in the eyes of the faithful. But for the Church, the title is about responsibilities, more witnessing, and commitment to the Lord Jesus.

All of these is for the purpose of attaining salvation for those who will be served. There will be challenges and traps like riches, fame, and power. The faithful may tend and be teased to work for these worldly desires. Hopefully, they do not succumb to it. There is a treasure much much greater than all the world may offer. Let us keep our eyes on the pearl of great price. Let us seek the Lord. And all will follow.