Daily Readings for October 18, 2015

1ST READING

Atonement is one of the ways theologians understand the saving work of Jesus. Sin has damaged our relationship with God, and the damage done through the willful sinning of humanity needs to be atoned for. Jesus did this through His death on the Cross. Did He have to die? St. Bernard of Clairvaux said that a single drop of Jesus’ blood would be sufficient.

Isaiah 53:10-11

10 The Lord was pleased to crush him in infirmity. If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the Lord shall be accomplished through him. 11 Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.

P S A L M

Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22

R: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

4 Upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full. (R) 18 See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, 19 to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. (R) 20 Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield. 22 May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in you. (R)

2ND READING

Jesus is the perfect high priest because He does not have to offer sacrifice for His own sins, as He does not have any. Jesus stands in solidarity with us in our humanity and avoids the temptation to sin, thus making it possible for us to do the same. He has won a total victory over sin and death (with the assistance of His Father) and He has given that victory to us. Let us be sure that we do not waste this second opportunity, to give our lives in the service of God and His Kingdom.

Hebrews 4:14-16

14 Brothers and sisters: Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. 16 So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

GOSPEL

James and John did not realize that their request would be met with a negative answer from Jesus. Jesus taught them that service, not glory and honor, is at the heart of the ministry of a disciple. There is nothing in Jesus’ proclamation of the Gospel that even hints that their request will be met with a positive response. Let us not make the same mistake as James and John did.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:35-45

35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” 37 They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 They said to him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40 but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. 42 Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. 43 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; 44 whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

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