Cycle B, Year II

21 October 2012: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Liturgical color: Green)

Mark 10:35-45

The joy in serving others!

The month of October begins the preparation for another election year in the Philippines, both national and local. Many candidates, new and old politicians, went to file their certificate of candidacy or COCs with the Office of the Commission on Elections. Are we impressed that so many are aspiring for public service? Are they really motivated by the willingness to serve, or just to enjoy the perks and privileges of being in power?

The theme of today's gospel reading relates to aspiring for power even in the time of Jesus. The disciples James and John, the sons of Zebedee, asked Jesus that they may sit "one at your right and the other at your left" in Jesus' kingdom.

When the other disciples heard this, they became indignant at James and John for their personal ambitions. So Jesus brings them back to their senses with this preaching:"Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all."

The story tells of  brothers James and John asking for shortcuts but Jesus tells them there are no shortcuts to God's favor. Instead, Jesus points out that authority or leadership in God's kingdom is not about lording it over but about carrying a cross.

In other words Jesus makes a clear point here. What is leadership all about? Well, it is not self-glorification, but about the service of, and the upliftment and empowerment of others.

So now how do we become better servants?

One way is by ensuring that our motivation for service is love, and not self-profit. It is said that God has three types of servants in the world: some are slaves because they serve God out of fear; others are hirelings, who serve Him for wages;  and the last ones are sons and daughters who serve because they love Him. Which type are we? As we seek to serve God let us check our motivation.  Divine servanthood is always motivated by LOVE.

We, too, are called to follow Christ with an attitude of service to others. As many in our society, including politicians, strive for success, fame and wealth, true followers of Christ are instead called upon to always look for opportunities to serve others out of love.

In contrast to worldly greatness, to be great in God's eyes is to be servants after Jesus' own life of service. "For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Also today, at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, Blessed Pedro Calungsod will be raised to the altar of sainthood as the second Filipino saint after Saint Lorenzo Ruiz. By their martyrdom, they showed us a life for God in service of others.

Let us thank God for the gift of faith so that these Filipino saints inspire us to follow their example of service to our mother Church.

A blessed  Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Deo Optimo Maximo