Sunday Scripture Readings

Printer-friendly versionSend to friend TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, OCTOBER 19 Isaiah 53:10-11; Psalm 33; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45 OUR GOOD NEWS: The only love that truly conquers — a serving love willing to suffer for the salvation of others. Biblical faith rests on a paradox: God is all-powerful and in control, but humans enjoy genuine self-determination (free will). In this perspective, evildoers inflict suffering upon the innocent only with God’s permissive will — God doesn’t approve but does allow such injustice. The key question then is how can God, who professes love and concern for all creatures, especially those faithfully doing His will, permit such evil? Today’s first selection from the fourth and final "Suffering Servant" poem addresses this disturbing question. Isaiah described an anonymous righteous man, called to suffer so that through his pain sinners could find healing and reconciliation. The opening sentence boldly heightens this paradox: "The Lord was pleased to crush him in infirmity," to overwhelm an innocent victim with excruciating pain ending in death. In itself suffering remains evil, opposed to the living, life-giving, God. Yet it contains the potential for good, capable of becoming the supreme expression of obedience and love. What "pleased" God, therefore, was not pain as such but the martyr’s total self-emptying as the ultimate in selfless love. Persevering fidelity in face of destructive hatred made the servant an expiatory sacrifice, an "asham" or guilt-offering that restores sinners to God’s favor by neutralizing the effects of sin. "He shall see his descendants in a long life. ... He shall see the light in fullness of days." Vicarious bearing of others’ guilt thus earns the faithful servant the greatest possible reward, described in traditional language of posterity and longevity. Because belief in afterlife had not yet crystallized in Old Testament thought, the prophecy’s vagueness lies open to the fuller sense of resurrection into lasting blessedness. "After his terrible experience (affliction) he will enjoy fullness of life." Israel saw herself reflected in this mysterious figure, a people called by God to redeem pagan nations through their own corporate oppression and persecution that at times resulted in the "death" of defeat and exile. Early Christians treasured Isaiah’s Suffering Servant texts as prediction and authoritative interpretation of Jesus’ fate. Rejection and Crucifixion were thus justified — (divinely willed) — and explained (redemptive suffering). Jesus’ mission was thus "to give his life in ransom for the many" (Gospel). This mysterious passage applies to us in our own personal suffering. Handicap, cancer, substance abuse and death humbly accepted can become an empowering grace enabling others to accept their fate. Moreover, the Church’s mission is enhanced rather than hindered by persecution and misrepresentation. "The Son of Man has not come to be served but to serve — to give his life in ransom for the many." Today’s Gospel continues discussion of this mystery. The Cross, instrument of terrible torture, is revealed as God’s non-violent "secret weapon." It reveals suffering’s unique power to convert sinners and to inspire others to selfless answering love.

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