Suffering and Service
(Jer 18:18-20; Ps 31; Mt 20:17-28)
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Activist Daniel Berrigan once stated that before deciding to follow Jesus, we should consider how good we look on wood!
The message from today’s readings is simple and straightforward: following Jesus will involve suffering and service.
This is not your usual promo for a career. Jesus doesn’t offer any perks or career advancement benefits. He proclaims right up front that he himself, the Son of Man and Son of God, did not come to be served but to serve, and not only that – he goes all the way and gives his life as a ransom for all of humanity.
Yet that call to total commitment is itself the best and proven way to live a life that is full of meaning, purpose and fulfillment. There is no life better lived, then to give one’s life for the highest of all causes, and there is no higher cause than following Jesus.
The suffering that a disciple is called to is redemptive suffering – connected to the suffering of Jesus, and borne as Jesus bore his suffering, without resentment or bitterness, forgiving those who were crucifying him. It is this kind of suffering that will help build up the reign of God here on earth.
The service that we are called to, is to offer our time, talent and treasure, to use our God-given gifts to make the world a better place, to build up the reign of God here on earth. St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta’s advice is helpful here: “What we would like to do for Jesus, whom we cannot see, we can do to the person next to us, whom we can see, and we will be doing it to Jesus.”
The Eucharist makes present the sacrificial love of Jesus on the cross, and also empowers us to go out and live Calvary in slow motion by living lives of service to all of humanity.
Bishop, thanks for the homily or message on suffering and services while living our lives to the fullest even if we have difficulties. I agree with your teachings and advices you presenting to people. How Jesus Christ went through suffering when he is about to be crucified and service by giving gifts to people. There is certain people receiving gifts and inspirations in their time and using to help people who are poor and in need. I’ve seen it in my community and church , it is quite interesting knowing about it. Thanks you Thank you .
Bishop take care , I am sorry to hear you are sick. There is quite a few people who suffering from the cold and flu these days . I almost got the flu , but I did not.
I think we should learn to admire the gifts and services from God then testing it and judging other people for using it to change the world.