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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings, Oct. 18, 2009
By Sharon K. Perkins
Catholic News Service
October 18, Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Cycle B Readings:
1) Isaiah 53:10-11
Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22
2) Hebrews 4:14-16
Gospel: Mark 10:35-45
There's a proverb I've often heard people cite when they have to confidently make a quick but potentially risky decision: "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission." I admit that I've had to fall back on this maxim myself occasionally. It gives me a sense of confidence (or is it bravado?) when the deliberating has been done; it's time for action, and I know that I'll ultimately be accountable for the risk.
In the Gospel, when James and John approached Jesus, making the seemingly outrageous appeal to be seated at his right and his left hands, their request may have been delivered with a certain amount of bravado (thereby prompting indignation from the other 10 disciples). But Jesus did not dismiss them out of hand. Rather, he took advantage of a prime teaching opportunity.
The confidence to which the psalmist and the author of Hebrews refer is much more than bravado. I am reminded of the origins of the word "confidence" -- coming from the Latin "cum fidere" -- meaning "with trust." In this sense, one's confidence is placed in God whose throne is grace and whose love is kind and merciful. According to the psalmist, it is precisely when we place our trust in God that God's mercy is upon us.
Jesus qualified James' and John's request by making clear that a share in his glory comes only when one places one's self at the service of others. The world often views servitude as weakness.
But a disciple who places their confidence in the Son of God -- a "high priest" who has been "tested in every way" and can sympathize with weakness -- has the assurance that God's grace is poured out on them because of their trust.
QUESTIONS:
In what area of your life are you most in need of God's mercy and grace right now? What is the greatest obstacle to your being the kind of servant Jesus describes?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help" (Hebrews 4:16).
END
Copyright © 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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