Gospel Reflection for the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.

Lord, let your mercy be on us, 

as we place our trust in you. (Psalm 32)

The three readings today all enshrine the value of serving others. Jesus himself teaches this as the fundamental Christian principle and lives it out to the last moment of his bitter suffering and death.  The first reading of Isaiah 53 foretells the Messiah as a Suffering Servant who suffers on behalf of God's sinful people.  

When James and John approach him about seats on his right and left when he enters into his glory, Jesus prohibits any notions they might have of being earthly lords and rulers. They must serve as he has served and suffer as he will suffer.

The eternal message Jesus gives his disciples is that to reign in his Kingdom is to serve and to suffer as he did. Then we will reign with Him in glory forever. Praise God!