Daily Readings for October 21, 2018

1st READING

Our suffering as disciples of Jesus makes our witness to the Gospel authentic and strong. Suffering is also a means to further the cause of evangelization. When times are difficult, we can sense God’s presence as He leads and supports us. Let us trust Him to see us through.

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 God incarnate and He experienced what it means to be human except for sin. He understands us and knows what we go through. That is why He is our Redeemer. He saves us not from a distance, but as one of us. This is how committed Jesus is as our Savior and Lord.

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 

Let us reflect on the nature of discipleship as Jesus revealed to James and John. He explains that they will experience suffering if they follow Him. James and John affirm their commitment as His disciples. Discipleship is not a calling of privilege but a commitment to serve the Gospel.

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.”