SUNDAY, TWENTY FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Wis 2:12,17-20 Ps 54:3-8 Jas 3:16–4:3 Mk 9:30-37
SUFFERINGS OF THE RIGHTEOUS ONE
Human life on earth is incomplete without suffering. There are sufferings that we are easily able to bear, but there are also sufferings which we find hard to accept and go through. It is then, that we ask the question, ‘Why suffering’? We are fully aware that all of us suffer and there is no one without suffering. The type of suffering we undergo and the intensity of the suffering may differ from person to person, but all of us have some share in human suffering. We also know that suffering is useful in our daily life. If we want to achieve great things or climb the ladder of success, we need to suffer, sacrifice, give up etc. Despite all this, we do ask the same question, ‘why suffering’? Long and intense suffering can also lead to desperation and meaninglessness in one’s life.
The liturgy today gives us the real meaning of suffering and shows a new direction in living our life. The first reading highlights the sufferings of a righteous man. We usually think that the righteous should not suffer and only the unrighteous or sinners should suffer. Contrary to this, we find many examples in the Bible. The enemies of the righteous man mentioned in today’s reading lie in wait to attack him because he is an obstacle to them to fulfil their own selfish plans.
The righteous man opposes their evil designs and actions. When they go against the law, he is there to reproach them and he is a mirror to them in showing their sins. The enemies challenge him and see if he will persevere in his righteous way, and they wait to see his end. The righteous man trusts in God, he is God’s son. God will help him and deliver him from all his adversaries. But his enemies insult him, torture him, and test him if he is patient. He is condemned to a shameful death because he believes that he will be protected.
In the second reading, Saint James explains the causes of human suffering. We suffer from our fallen nature where we see jealousy and selfishness. This leads to disorder and vile practices. God’s wisdom brings about good fruits and there will be no sin. Righteousness brings about peace and harmony. But the reality is that there is war and fighting caused by our inner human and sinful passions. Selfish desires cause murder, war etc. Sin has entered the world causing innumerable sufferings.
In the Gospel, Jesus gives us the full meaning of suffering and the means to face such suffering. He was going through Galilee with His disciples. He then taught them the secret of the kingdom of God. He revealed to them with clarity that He would be delivered into the hands of men, they would kill Him, and after three days He would rise from death.
Was it necessary for Jesus to suffer? Sin has caused suffering and Jesus through His suffering on the Cross has paid the price of our redemption. Jesus told His disciples that suffering was necessary for the Resurrection and to save humanity. Going through the suffering and death on the Cross, Jesus does the will of the Father and offers Himself as the sacrifice for our salvation. The disciples failed to understand the meaning of His teaching; they were busy discussing who will be the greatest among them.
Like the disciples, inspite of the example of Jesus before us, we fail to understand the mystery and the value of suffering. We do also ask the question, ‘Why suffering’? Jesus had to take time to explain many things in private. One who wants to be first must be the last of all and servant of all.
Jesus humbled Himself and thus obtained glory. He showed the disciples, a child and asked them to receive the child in His name. One who becomes the last or servant of all, or one who tries to become like a child will suffer. But, he will not be lost in suffering because he trusts in the Lord. Jesus suffered and died, and then rose from the death. One, who suffers by uniting one’s suffering with the Lord, will also rise with Him. So, our sufferings are meant to prepare us to enter into life, the life of the Resurrection.
Response: Behold, the Lord is the upholder of my life.
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