Isaiah 53: 10-11; Ps 32(33):4-5.18-20.22; Hebrews 4: 14-16; Mark 10: 35-45
The reading is from Isaiah’s last “suffering servant” song, which we hear more fully on Good Friday. Israel is identified as God’s innocent servant suffering to bring to completion God’s plan for the salvation of all mankind. For Isaiah suffering need not be a punishment for sin. Suffering by the righteous could “redeem” the sins of others – but only if the sinners saw it as symbolising separation from their sins, like the scapegoat sent into the desert. Christians saw Jesus as the suffering servant who redeems mankind.
The Psalm praises the Lord’s power and kindness, confident that he will rescue us from our urgent waiting.
Continuing from last week, our reading from the Letter to the Hebrews calls Jesus “the Son of God” and “the supreme high priest”. Since he was tempted just like us, he is merciful and we must have confidence that he can bring us to God’s “throne of grace”.
After Jesus’ third prediction of his passion in Mark’s Gospel, two Apostles ask if they can share in the kingdom’s rewards? They do not understand the sort of kingdom Jesus is bringing in. The Apostles will share in Jesus’ suffering, and in doing so they will show themselves to be servants to all.
(Isaiah 53: 10-11; Ps 32(33):4-5.18-20.22; Hebrews 4: 14-16; Mark 10: 35-45)
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