25rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept. 23, 2012
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
(Full text of sermon) No matter what side of the political fence we fall on these days, many Americans would say that they feel slightly disillusioned with politics and politicians. So many scandals happen in the political area that we begin to be suspicious of everyone. We have become somewhat numb to the infighting and gridlock that goes on within the halls of our government buildings. Traditionally, politicians have been called “public servants,” but maybe sometimes we wonder who is serving who!
Try to watch this video and not chuckleOK, a vocation is a serious matter, but sometimes there are things to laugh about. Watch our video, “Hearing God’s Call – Two Mercedarian Friars” on the of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy. You’ll see Br. Matthew and Fr. Scott share some chuckles as they talk about their vocations.
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The word “servant” is used by our Lord in today’s Gospel. In most cases, “servant” is not a particularly positive term in the English language. It is defined as “one who performs a duty.” The duty performed in most cases is a menial task done for another either for pay or out of the obligation of slavery.
What kind of Messiah?
There was much confusion at the time of Jesus as to what the Messiah would be. The majority of the Jewish people felt that the messiah was going to be a warrior who would restore Israel to prominence. It would be the assumption that this powerful messiah would be served by others. Another interpretation of the prophecy of a messiah is portrayed for us in the second reading from the Book of Wisdom. The second reading depicts the messiah as a suffering servant who will lay down his life in service of a whole nation. We see in the entire life of Christ one who “came to serve and not to be served (Mark 10:45).”
At the incarnation, Jesus, the Second Person of the Trinity, empties Himself in taking on our sinful flesh. His life as a poor carpenter’s son continues the theme of self emptying. Then, as Jesus is teaching his disciples, He explains that his destiny is to be “handed over to men and they will kill him…” Our Lord’s confession is that He will be the “suffering servant” messiah foreshadowed in the second reading.
Cross becomes sign of life
The words of Jesus stir up a great deal of emotion and passion in the disciples. They begin to question among themselves “who will be the greatest?” Jesus recognizes their tendency toward “jealousy and selfish ambition.” He uses this moment to explain that the greatest in the Father’s Kingdom shall be the last of all and the servant of all. In the Kingdom that Christ came to establish all the ideals of the world are “turned upside down.” The Cross, a sign of utter pain and humiliation, will become the sign of new life for all who desire it. Disciples of Christ are called to follow this “Suffering Servant” and forget themselves. Christianity is about emptying oneself and doing those menial tasks for others with no strings attached. Jesus tells us in the Gospel that a sign of true holiness is the willingness to be a servant of all for the Gospel.
The naturally tendency toward sin or concupiscence makes us want to dominate others. There is a lack of trust that comes with our sinful nature. We desire to “take” instead of give of ourselves. We see the effects of Original Sin present throughout human history. Yes, there are some great examples of leaders who truly are “public servants.” But just as often we have suffered at the hands of the selfish who desired to be served and even to dominate others.
True public servants
However, we as Christians are told by our Lord that we must be true public servants of others. We must serve each other; putting the others needs before our own. This means being sincere, pure in mind and body, peacemakers, gentle, compliant, full of mercy, and striving to forgive others as we have been forgiven.
We cannot be servants unless we first know intimately the Suffering Servant. Our relationship with Jesus grows through sincere prayer. As our Lord says, “pray always.” We turn to the Lord not only in the difficult times, but consistently throughout the day. This intimacy with the Savior enables us to learn the true way of service. Our time on earth is precious; we must spend it walking in the footsteps of the Lord; the one who came “to serve and not to be served.”
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M., is the vocation director for the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy. Do you have a vocation to become a Mercedarian Friar? Take the and receive a personal email from Fr. Joseph.