Homily of 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
First Reading: Isaiah 53:10-11; Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; Gospel: Mark 10:35-45
Power, authority, and positions of honour are what many people always aspire to attain in life. Whenever a new regime is about to assume office, many people begin to lobby in order to secure political appointments as ministers, commissioners, ambassadors, chairmen, etc. Unfortunately, some of them see those attainments as opportunities to show off, enrich themselves, and trample on others rather than render humble services. They might become indignant whenever they notice that other ambitious persons are also craving for that same position. Thus, they may plot to eliminate them.
Meanwhile, since many Sundays ago, we have continued to witness the ambitiousness and wrong conception of Jesus’ disciples as regards the Kingdom of God. This misconception preoccupied their minds despite Jesus’ three predictions of His passion (suffering and death) to them. Of course, since they were already anticipating an earthly messiah, they never expected Jesus Christ to suffer any misfortune here on earth. That was why Peter wanted to dissuade Him when He spoke about His suffering and death (Mark 8:32).
MISCONCEPTIONS OF THE MESSIANIC KINGDOM
In today’s gospel reading, due to the same wrong conception of the Messianic Kingdom, James and John requested that Jesus grant them prestigious echelons in His glory. They wanted to begin early to lobby for top ministerial positions before Jesus Christ establishes His earthly kingdom. Consequently, the other disciples became indignant with them for being so greedy and selfish. Even though they too wanted the same positions. This was evident when they were arguing about who was the greatest among them so as to define who holds the principal post of honour among themselves during Jesus’ regime.
Having observed their ignorance and the emptiness of their self-preoccupation, Jesus Christ took the occasion to educate them on discipleship and true leadership. Also, to clarify the kind of Kingdom He was going to establish. A kingdom, whereby His suffering and death would be the necessary prelude to its establishment. So, anyone who wishes to have a seat in His Kingdom must be prepared to follow the same route of suffering (Mark 8:34).
THE TRUE MEANING OF LEADERSHIP
Jesus Christ went further to instruct His disciples about the demands of His Kingdom, saying that the power concepts of the ordinary are radically inversed. For Him, “true leadership means servanthood. Anybody who wants to hold any position of honour or authority over others must be the humble servant of others, consider himself or herself a slave of all, and not seek his or her own gain.” This may sound preposterous, but that is part of the demands of Christ’s Kingdom, which He demonstrated when He washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:1–17).
Moreover, those at the helm of affairs (political and religious), as well as those seeking such prestigious positions, are the ones to do the serving and not the other way around. True leadership must include: love, mercy, honesty, justice, equity, and fairness; any other contrary view is fake (Matthew 20:26). However, we should beware of those who may present themselves as humble servants in order to gain the attention of people. But in the real sense, they have ulterior motives or hidden agendas, just like Napoleon in the novel Animal Farm.
ANIMAL FARM: A SATIRICAL ALLEGORY OF POWER AND CORRUPTION
Animal Farm, by George Orwell is a satire about the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of the Soviet Union. The story was set on a farm where the animals, led by the pigs Napoleon and Snowball, revolted against their human farmer, Mr. Jones. They sought to establish a society where animals could be free and equal. Initially, the rebellion was successful, and the farm was renamed “Animal Farm.” The pigs, who were the most intelligent animals, assumed leadership roles.
Subsequently, the pigs became increasingly corrupt and power-hungry, particularly Napoleon, who ousted Snowball and consolidated power. At some point, the pigs altered the farm’s commandments to justify their actions. The famous line “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” encapsulated the betrayal of the revolution’s ideals. Consequently, they formed a dictatorship even more oppressive and heartless than their former human master. The story serves as a critique of totalitarian regimes and the corrupting influence of power. Undoubtedly, this is one of the problems affecting our contemporary society.
CHRIST SUFFERED FOR OUR SALVATION
In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah clearly enunciated the doctrine of the expiatory suffering of a sinless servant. Out of His infinite love and mercy for humanity and her salvation, Jesus Christ voluntarily went through excruciating humiliation and suffering. He offered His life in atonement for the sins of humanity in order to reconcile her back to God. Hence, since Christ has sacrificed His life for humanity to live eternally, those in positions of honour, especially Christians, must be ready to bear any obstacles, troubles, or trials they may encounter while discharging their duties as part of sharing in Christ’s suffering (1 Peter 4:12–19).
Certainly, there is always a purpose for every difficult situation we may find ourselves in. Perhaps God wants to use such a situation to teach us some lessons. Secondly, may be He is trying to prepare us for a greater task ahead. Thirdly, it may be a way of atoning for our sins or those of others. Nevertheless, a constant gaze at the crucifix should always make us realize how little we are asked to suffer for our own salvation when compared with what Christ suffered in order to redeem us (Hebrews 12:2).
STANDING STRONG IN FAITH
Dearly beloved, we need the grace of God to discharge our duties effectively. The second reading of today urges us to always stand strong in faith. Jesus Christ, the merciful and faithful High Priest, passed through many trials and sufferings for our sake. Yet without sin, He has entered Heaven before us and is preparing a place for us. He is always sympathizing with those who struggle with moral weakness. So, let us be confident and always approach the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in times of need.
KEY POINTS FROM TODAY’S READINGS ON TRUE LEADERSHIP AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH
As Christians, let us be mindful of the following key points from today’s readings:
- True leadership means servanthood. Those who are seeking prestigious positions must be ready to lay down their lives in humble service to others. It is not the opportunity to show off, enrich oneself, and play tribal cards. Neither is it an opportunity to discharge one’s duties with bigotry and nepotism and trample on those who did not like, support, or vote for them. Remember, there is always a repercussion; everyone must surely reap what he has sowed.
- Power or authority is like grains of sand; the more we grab it, the more it leaves our hands. So we must not lobby or be ambitious in the acquisition of any prestigious position. However, whenever we find ourselves at the corridors of power, we should always use the opportunity to contribute positively to the growth and development of our society. Remember, power and authority are transient!
- Suffering for Christ’s sake is a necessary condition for attaining God’s Kingdom (James 1:2-4). As a leader, you must be ready to bear insults, criticisms, sabotage, hatred, jealousy, obstacle, trouble, or trial as part of sharing in Christ’s suffering (Romans 8:17). But do not clandestinely inflict pains on others, or through your negligence, expect them to endure.
- Whenever there is a misunderstanding among members of any given society, group, organization, family, etc., their respective leaders should always, with love, honesty, mercy, justice, equity, and fairness, address the issues in a diplomatic manner, just like Christ did among His disciples in today’s gospel.
- Frequent confession gives one divine energy to obey God’s will and navigate through difficulties. Therefore, we must always endeavour to frequent the sacrament of reconciliation so as to be purified from our sins. This act will make us confident enough to stand before God on the last day (1 John 1:9).
PRAYER:
I pray that the Almighty God, through the Power of the Holy Spirit, may grant you the grace to always endure the challenges and suffering you encounter in life. May you always render humble services to humanity to the glory of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen!
Peace of Christ be with you…
Rev. Fr. Ben Okala, C.S.Sp.
