Daily Readings - Sun Oct 17 2021

Isaiah

10Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.11After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.

Hebrews

14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Mark

42Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.43Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,44and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of service, sacrifice, and the humility of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear about the suffering servant who bears the sins of many and through his labors, justifies and satisfies the will of God. This passage is a profound prophecy of Christ, who would take on the weight of humanity’s sins and offer himself as a ransom for many. The context of this passage is rooted in the expectation of a Messiah who would restore Israel, but it also points to the universal salvation that Christ would bring. Isaiah emphasizes that true greatness is found in self-giving love and humility. The second reading from Hebrews builds on this theme by presenting Jesus as our great High Priest, who understands our weaknesses and temptations because he experienced them himself, though without sin. The author encourages us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Jesus intercedes for us. This reading reminds us that Jesus’ priesthood is not one of distant authority but of compassionate solidarity. He is a leader who understands our struggles and offers us mercy and grace in our time of need. In the Gospel, Mark contrasts the worldly understanding of leadership, where power is exercised over others, with the Christian ideal of servant-leadership. Jesus teaches that true greatness in his kingdom is found in serving others. He himself is the ultimate example of this, for he came not to be served but to serve, even to the point of giving his life as a ransom for many. This teaching challenges us to reevaluate our own attitudes toward power and authority. Are we seeking to dominate, or are we willing to humble ourselves and serve others? These readings call us to embrace a life of humility and service. In a world that often values power and status, Jesus shows us a different way. He invites us to follow him in pouring out our lives for the sake of others. Let us ask ourselves: How can I serve those around me today? How can I imitate Christ’s humility and self-giving love? May we approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Jesus understands our struggles and intercedes for us. And may we strive to live as servants, following the example of the one who gave his life for us all.