SUFFERINGS ARE GRACES – 29th Sunday Ordinary Time, Year B
In the midst of life’s suffering we can take courage in our faith in Christ. “Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.”
The price of Jesus’ passage leading us to a glorious future was very high. “The Lord was pleased to crush Him in infirmity.” Jesus underwent a great struggle with the enemies of the human race. Much of the world’s suffering and the sufferings of individuals come from sin. The Son of God in living our life suffered the effects of sin. Besides our own sins, we can suffer from the sins and brokenness of others.
Sufferings are graces which can teach the need for the Lord, trust in the Lord and our dependence on the Lord. “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” Some, if not many, would never come to the Lord if they never had any great sufferings in their lives.
Our need draws the Lord to us just as people are often drawn together in sufferings who otherwise may not be together. “See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who hope for His kindness, to deliver them from death, and preserve them in spite of famine.”
The very nature of human life means from time to time there is going to be sufferings of one kind or another. This life on the earth is not permanent, but meant to lead to eternal life. The very nature of life on earth demands we look to the Lord. “Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield.”
Our high priest became one of us to save us, and give us hope in the midst of human suffering “For 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.” Because of who Jesus is and what He has done for us, we can have hope in whatever human suffering we may be undergoing or may have to undergo. We need to build up a great confidence in the Lord even before we have some great need or undergo some great suffering. “So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.”
People who serve others are needed in a world of needs and sufferings. The needs of others also become graces. It’s through following the Lord’s example that sufferings are lessened and overcome. “The Son of Man came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus calls His followers to be servants as well. The importance in the Lord’s kingdom depends on service to others. James and John wanted a high place in Jesus’ kingdom reign. They didn’t really know what they were asking for. Being close to the Lord involves living His life. His life was one of service and sacrifice. Jesus asked the two disciples if they could meet the test of being with Him. “Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” This was shortly before Jesus was baptized, that is immersed in His passion, suffering and death.
Jesus assured the two disciples they would indeed share in His baptism. Both of them, who came to understand that service and following the way of Jesus is the way to greater life, both underwent shedding their blood for their faith and following Jesus.
Being a servant in Jesus’ kingdom is the call we need to respond to in faith. “Rather, whoever wishes to be first among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” Jesus relates being a servant to following Him. “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
When we think about it against our experiences, we can see that being a servant is more rewarding than not being a servant, or certainly is far more fulfilling than a life of selfishness with little concern for what others need and what we can do in meeting human needs.
Suffering and human needs are graces depending on our response!
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