SAINT PHILIP NERI, PRIEST (MEMORIAL)

The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. 

In today’s Gospel (Mark 10:32-45), Jesus is trying to help the disciples rethink the concept of greatness. It didn’t mean what they thought it meant—prestigious titles and the ability to exert their authority over other people. It meant being a servant, which is exactly what Jesus said he had come to do. And how would Jesus serve? By giving “his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). He would be the true Suffering Servant, offering himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins (Isaiah 49:1-6; Hebrews 10:14).

It would take a while for the disciples to fully understand this. Even though Jesus had told them that he would suffer and die, they didn’t yet realize that this is how he would fulfill his call to serve (Mark 10:32-33). In time, not only would they understand, but they would follow in their master’s footsteps, preaching the good news and giving up their lives for him and his people.

We all serve in one way or another, whether it’s in our families, at work, or in our parishes. You might be the parent who patiently helps his child with her homework night after night. Or the grandmother who spends hours in prayer interceding for her unbelieving grandson. Or the friend who accompanies his neighbor to the emergency room. Or the parishioner who labors all day in the kitchen cooking meals for the homeless.

We all know how costly it can be to serve in these and other ways. But each time we make such sacrifices, we have the opportunity to lay down our lives out of love for God and his people. Jesus is inviting us to serve just as he did.

These acts of service are not just isolated occurrences. For Christians, service is a way of life—and one that brings great joy. Because the more you give of yourself, the more you will be given in return. You will receive not only God’s joy and peace but also the confidence that, like the apostles, you are walking in Jesus’ own footsteps. And that’s the best place you could ever be!

“Jesus, fill me with your joy as I serve my brothers and sisters today.”

Sirach 36:1, 4-5, 10-17
Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13
Mark 10:32-45

WORD AMONG US