This Sunday’s first reading is Isaiah 53:10-11 (the suffering servant will, by his suffering, bring good to many), the responsory is Psalm 33 (“Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you,”) the second reading is Hebrews 4:14-16 (Jesus has experienced everything that we will experience), and the Gospel is Mark 10:35-45 (James and John ask for seats of honor in Heaven- Jesus tells them that they will suffer, and how humble service is the key to greatness in the Kingdom of God.)The full text of the readings can be found here, on the USCCB website.James and John approach Jesus with a great boldness: “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you… Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.”  It seems like a ridiculous request when read in the context of this Sunday’s readings, focused on suffering and humility, that two of Jesus’ closest and chosen followers would ask Him for a position that would grant them honor, yet at the same time it tells the story of many of us.  I’ve been reading Fr.

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Five Minute Mass Reflection – October 21, 2012