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Reflection for Sunday 10/21/12

Readings for This Week:
Isaiah 53:10 –11
Hebrews 4:14 –16
Mark 10:35 – 45 or 10:42 – 45

Readings for Next Week:
Jeremiah 31:7– 9
Hebrews 5:1– 6
Mark 10:46 – 52

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
It all boils down to service. Jesus even says a leader must be the “slave of all” (Mark 10:44). It would be easy to dismiss if Jesus had not first lived it. Because hypocrisy is more the norm, we’re really thrown when someone’s mouth and money end up in the same place. Hebrews states it clearly: Jesus was not unacquainted with weaknesses, for he was “tested in every way” (4:15). In being tested and tempted like we are, Jesus struggled and suffered like we do. Being tempted in “every way” means being tempted by power, anger, lust, and desire, and the list just goes on. The only difference is that Jesus fought better than we do and no temptation ever led to sin. But let that second part cancel or obscure the first and you’ve strayed into heresy that would deny Christ’s humanness. Isaiah sets forth the model Jesus followed. His “Servant of the Lord” oracle sings the praises of one who suffers willingly for the sake of others. Parents and lovers know this kind of service: you give more than you get, you give without counting, you extend yourself for the sake of the other, and you expect back nothing more than the satisfaction of knowing you did what was right. It’s not so easy, of course. We do better some days than others. But we know the goal because Jesus stated it so clearly, and lived it even better.

“. . . whoever wishes to be great among
you will be your servant” (Mark 10:44 ).

SHARING FAITH
Do you believe Jesus was tempted the way you and I are? Can you imagine him having to work to resist some temptation?

LIVING THE LITURGY
Resolve to do what Jesus does and sympathize with the weaknesses of others by showing extra patience or compassion toward them this week. At the end of the week, reflect on the impact the experience has had on you.

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