The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today offer
instruction in discipleship. The text from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah is
the consolation to Israel of the Suffering Servant who will be crushed as he
gives himself for the life of the other. Friar Jude Winkler touches on the
theme of the suffering of just persons to expiate sin. He comments that this
idea was not current in either the time of Isaiah or the time of Jesus. The
reward for a just life is supposed to be success. The Letter to the Hebrews reminds
us of Jesus who knew no sin, accepting our life and experiencing our temptation
to self gratification. He addresses the worldly response of James and John to
the third proclamation of His upcoming Passion and death. They offer to “ride
shotgun” in His Kingdom. Father Larry Gillick, SJ, comments that they have only
known Roman style “kingship” and are prepared to be princes of the new order.
The “Cup” which they accept from Jesus will be a cup of Blood and suffering for
others. The “Baptism” will be a death to their old life and a rising to a life
in Christ with the actions of the servant leading others to the experience of
Love, which is God. The disciple serves.
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