Sunday 20 October 2024
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 53:10-11. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you – Psalm 32(33):4-5, 18-20, 22. Hebrews 4:14-16. Mark 10:35-45.
Anyone who wants to become great among you must become your servant
Authority can become a trap. I was at a meeting once where a church leader gave a presentation in a large hall, using a microphone. Leaders of groups were then asked to give presentations in response. Not being offered the use of a microphone, they had to shout. It was quite difficult to hear some contributors. The leader held onto his microphone, oblivious to any difficulty. It led some responders to wonder if it mattered what they said or if decisions had already been made.
This is in contrast to the synodal process begun by Pope Francis. As Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago commented: ‘. . . Asking participants to give priority to the capacity to listen as well as the quality of the words spoken.’
‘Paying attention to the spiritual movements in oneself and the other person during the conversation . . . an act of respecting, welcoming and being hospitable to others as they are.’
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