Serving can often feel like a thankless job!
The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, which aligns with World Mission Sunday,
invites us to reflect on the nature of discipleship and our role in the mission of the
Church. In St. Mark’s Gospel, Jesus addresses James and John’s ambitious
request to sit at Jesus’ right and left in His glory, revealing their aspirations as
well as the underlying dynamics of jealousy and competition amongst the
disciples. The reaction of the others, who also desired status and recognition,
mirrors the struggles we face in our mission to spread the Good News.Jesus’ response to this internal power struggle, “But it shall not be so among
you.” is a reminder that the values of the Kingdom of God diverge sharply from
worldly ambitions. In a culture that often prizes power, authority, and hierarchy,
Jesus calls us to a radical reorientation. The essence of discipleship, lies not in
seeking personal glory but in serving others. His life exemplified this servant
leadership, culminating in the ultimate act of love through His passion and
crucifixion.The call to serve and spread the Good News resounds deeply on World
Mission Sunday. The Church invites us to recognize that our call as disciples
transcends geographical boundaries and is not limited to a specific group or
community. It is an invitation to move beyond mere words and engage in actions
that uplift and support those around us. This call to be a servant of all, in our
families, workplaces, and communities, requires a shift in perspective. Serving
can often feel thankless or overlooked. Yet, in these humble acts, we express
Christ’s transformative love, inspiring and uplifting those around us. Jesus’
leadership model invites us to embrace humility and selflessness in a world that
usually prioritizes individualism and self-promotion.Moreover, at the end of today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells His disciples and
us: “to give his life as a ransom for many,” inviting us to reflect on the sacrificial
nature of true service. This phrase means that Jesus gave his life to free us from
the bondage of sin. Are we willing to give up our time, resources and talents for
the sake of others? Jesus tells us that true fulfillment comes not from what we
accumulate but from how we contribute to the well-being of others.Dear brothers and sisters, as we celebrate World Mission Sunday, let us
commit to being active participants in this mission of service. Whether
volunteering, supporting missionaries, or being present to those in need, we can
echo Christ’s call. As we go through our week let us make a daily commitment to,
serve rather than be served, expressing the spirit of Christ in all that we do.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor