DISCIPLESHIP ENTAILS SERVICE AND SACRIFICE

 

Homily for the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Scriptural Texts: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20, James 3:16-4:3, Mark 9:30-37

 

In the gospel reading of last Sunday (Mark 8:27-35), we read about Peter’s identification of Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah. But one thing which the disciples have not yet come to terms with is the fact that Jesus is a different kind of Messiah from what they thought. We see this play out again in the gospel reading of today when for the second time, Jesus predicted his passion, death and resurrection (Mark 9:31-32). The disciples did not understand Jesus’ explanations about his mission because they thought Jesus was a political Messiah; the one who has come to dominate and to rule. But Jesus is a different type of Messiah. He is the kind of Messiah who has come not to be served but to serve, to suffer and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

That the disciples saw Jesus as a triumphant Messiah is seen also in the fact that while Jesus was explaining to them what his messiahship entails, they were busy campaigning for top roles and positions of honor in the forthcoming messianic kingdom, using the criterion of greatness (Mark 9:33-34). Jesus’ gesture in the gospel reading does not only challenge the disciples’ notion of messiahship but it goes to the heart of their understanding of what discipleship and greatness entail. It is the same issue of competition that St. James addresses in the second reading. Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice (James 3:16).

Discipleship is not about power, position competition and ambition. It is about spending ourselves in selfless-service to others. The statement of Jesus that “If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all” challenges us all of us to be selfless especially in a time when our society tells us that being the first and being served by others are the most important. It challenges us in a time when we feel that the more a person has the authority to order others around, the more important that person is. It is in our nature to put ourselves first. But Jesus tells us today to put others first including those who like little children are vulnerable, defenseless and considered unimportant. In welcoming and serving the needy, we are welcoming and serving Jesus. In enduring the sufferings that come with following Jesus, we are sharing in his messianic kingdom. Service and sacrifice are the easy ways to greatness. Greatness is found in service, and the greatest people in God's kingdom are those who are servants.

Sadly, selflessness is not in our nature. But Jesus in the readings of this Sunday wants us to follow a different path, to view the world in a different way. He wants us to have a more humble, godly mindset. As Christians, we are called to imitate Jesus who gave everything including his life for our sake. In whatever capacity or position we find ourselves, let us learn to serve. Leadership is not simply about position but about service. As we heed Jesus’ instruction to be servants of others and to welcome little children, let us bear in mind that there will be moments of trials, tribulations, difficulties, and sufferings. But let us not be discouraged because to be a follower of Jesus is to be like Jesus who served and sacrificed everything for his love for us.