We can look at our readings today from the standpoint of a traffic light. Traffic lights have red, amber and green lights. And we know what each one tells us we can or cannot do. If we look at our readings for the 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B, this image can be expanded upon using the colors themselves. Green means go, go ahead, everything is clear for you to proceed. Well, in our second reading from Hebrews, we see the image of Jesus who has preceded us in this life. He has shown us the way. He is the High Priest on whom we rely. We confess our faith in Jesus who can indeed sympathize with us since He has similarly been tested. Our Psalm Response is the amber or caution light. It reminds us to be on the alert for things are changing. We need perhaps a moment of hesitation before proceeding, to look both ways and then see if the coast is clear to continue. We get that caution through mercy and trust. And finally we come to the red light. We know how bold that light can be. It stands out starkly before us to stop, to wait and to hold on before going on. Both the passage from Isaiah and Mark’s gospel accents this sense of sacrifice and the need for service. We are called to examine how we are living our lives. Do we choose selfishly? Do we share what we have? Are we willing to give of our time, our experience, our knowledge, our resources, ourselves to help another? Are we, disciples of the Lord, willing to be “crushed in infirmity” like Jesus was? Are we willing to suffer to justify many? These are hard questions and help us go to the core of our Catholic faith. Sadly, in our world today, a recent poll found that more than a majority of people in the United States are not claiming any religious affiliation. And if they do, many look for a religious experience that makes me “feel good” and “entertains me” when we come together to celebrate. Jesus very clearly cautions against this. He reminds us in the gospel today that giving service is what we are called to do – not to be served. Words that are easy to say, they are. Actions to do, they are not easy. What kinds of service to your family, to your friends, to your community, to your fellow workers and to yourself will you give this week?
Msgr. Mike