Sunday October 17, 2021 - Twenty-ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time - The Son of Man came to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for the multitude - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 10, 35-45

Just like these two apostles, it is possible, even advised, to go to Jesus because he is always available for us whatever the reason. He never leaves us, it is rather we who tend to distance ourselves from him by invoking false pretexts, such as: "I am fundamentally bad and unworthy, there is no longer any reason to come to him". However, it is precisely during these moments of doubt and distress that we must approach him. He is present, always ready to welcome us, so let's not hang around.

Here, these two apostles ask him to place them at his side. Jesus leaves us free to choose what type of relationship we want to maintain with him, in this precise case, it is a request; although maintaining a relationship with him is not reduced to begging, let us beware of begging. One can very well come to him to implore his forgiveness, to give him thanks and to praise him. In our requests, let us be attentive so that our prayers are not in vain, like these two apostles who seek to be honored, to be considered better than others, and not that they, we, also often succumb to this temptation. Jesus condemns this state of mind, because being on his left and on his right is not a place of honor, but a service.

In this regard, Jesus is clear: "You know it: those who are regarded as rulers of the nations command them as masters; the great make them feel their power. Among you, it must not be so. He who wills to become great among you will be your servant. Whoever wishes to be among you first will be the slave of all: for the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for the multitude". He set the example. Whoever knows how to serve others in all humility will command them. Amen.