TRUE GREATNESS IS FOUND IN SERVICE AND SELF-GIVING LOVE

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

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Bible Readings: Isaiah 53:10-11; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45

The liturgical readings for this Sunday remind us of a profound Christian truth: greatness is found not in power and privilege, but in self-giving love and humble service. These readings invite us to reflect on how God redefines authority, leadership, and success, showing us a way of life that turns worldly expectations upside down.

The First Reading from the Book of Isaiah presents us with the picture of the Suffering Servant, a mysterious figure who took upon himself the suffering and sin of others. We read: “If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him” (Isaiah 53:10).

This passage speaks of one who suffered not because of his own guilt, but for the sake of others. Through his pain and offering, the Suffering Servant brought justification and life to many. Christians have long seen this as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who willingly embraced suffering and death on the cross to save humanity. In a culture that often equates greatness with power and status, God shows that true greatness lies in sacrifice and service to others.

The Second Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews presents Jesus as the great High Priest who understands our struggles and weaknesses. “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). This is a comforting message because it means that Jesus is not only our Savior but also someone who truly understands our struggles. He experienced pain, rejection, and suffering, and because of this, he can empathize with us. This empathy makes him approachable and gives us confidence to “approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help” (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus’ own experience of suffering equips him to guide us, making him the model of a leader who serves.

The psalmist reechoed this message in the psalm by reminding us that our God is not distant or indifferent; He is our refuge and strength, especially in moments of weakness. Just as the Suffering Servant relied on God, we too are called to place our hope in Him, even when the path involves sacrifice (Psalm 33:20).

In the Gospel, James and John approached Jesus with a request for positions of honor in his glory. They wanted to sit at his right and left, reflecting a desire for power and prestige. Jesus’ response is a teaching moment for all the disciples and for us. He told them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” (Mark 10:38).

Here, Jesus introduced the concept of “the cup” and “baptism,” which symbolizes suffering, sacrifice, and ultimately, the cross. Jesus redefined greatness: it is not about sitting on thrones of power but about participating in his mission of self-giving love. That was why he told them, “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44).

The Son of Man, Jesus said, “did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). This teaching overturns the prevailing notions of authority in the world. In Jesus’ vision of the Kingdom, leadership is about humility, service, and willingness to sacrifice for others. This is the heart of Christian discipleship.

In all, the readings today reveal that the path to true greatness and fulfillment lies not in seeking positions of power or prestige, but in humble service, empathy, and self-giving love. Jesus, the Suffering Servant and High Priest, invites us to follow him on this path - a path that leads to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s will and the salvation of many. Let us pray for the grace to live out this call, embracing the challenges and sacrifices it entails, and trusting that in our service, we reflect the love and greatness of Christ. Amen.