29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

In today’s readings, the themes of discipleship and suffering that we have been pondering in recent weeks are again repeated.

The ‘Suffering Servant’ text of the First Reading tells of the prophet Isaiah ministering to the captives in Babylon and proclaiming a message that was not well received. The servant would be rejected and suffer because of it, but through his sufferings would ‘justify many’. It foreshadows the fullness of servanthood accepted by Jesus on our behalf. Through his suffering, he takes all our faults onto himself.

In the Second Reading, Jesus the high priest replaces the human priest of the Temple. Jesus is both priest and victim, and though without sin, he is like us in every way. By his death and resurrection he justifies us in the sight of God, and the throne of grace and mercy is opened to all. We can call on him with great confidence whenever we need help, trusting that in his humanity, he knows all that we go through, including our temptations.

The Gospel shows two disciples approaching this source of grace and mercy – but for their own personal gain rather than for loving service. It is the latter way that Jesus highlights as the true way, and the path he will walk as high priest.

As in today’s Psalm, we can offer our own prayer of praise for this way, which opens to us the gifts of mercy and grace.

By his sufferings shall my servant justify many.    First Reading

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.     Psalm

Let us be confident, then, in approaching the throne of grace.    Second Reading

What is it you want me to do for you?     Gospel

Anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant.    Gospel

This week’s texts if you want to reflect further:

Isaiah 53: 10–11; Psalm 32 (33); Hebrews 4:14–16; Mark 10: 35–45