The phrase which caught my attention in today’s Mass readings was: “offer his life” – we find it in the first reading – if the servant offers his life all will be well for him.
In the Gospel Jesus speaks about “offering his life as a ransom” and invites his disciples to follow his example. This attitude of self offering implies a forgetfulness of self and a radical confidence in the One to Whom we surrender – the One who supplies all our needs and who makes up for our limitations and deficiencies.
Perhaps we can better identify with James and John who approached Jesus to ask for secure and prodigious seats in the kingdom. But Jesus points out that true greatness lies in serving each other in love – emptying ourselves to become slaves. Surely this is very contrary to our modern mentality! perhaps frightening also? but the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that we have a high priest, Jesus, who understands our weakness and assures us of mercy and grace when we are in need of help.