Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 53:10-11 | Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22| Hebrew 4:14-16 | Mark 10:35-45 

For the Son of Man did not come to be served
but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many – Mark 10:45

In this Gospel, James and John approach Jesus, asking for positions of honor at His right and left hand. Jesus responds by challenging their understanding of greatness, reminding them—and us—that true greatness comes through humble service and sacrifice, not status or power. Jesus invites us to "drink the cup" that He drinks, which symbolizes the willingness to give ourselves fully, just as He gave His life as a ransom for many.

This teaching connects deeply with our call to stewardship. As we reflect on God's abundant blessings in our lives, we are reminded that everything we have is a gift from Him. In the Old Testament, the tithe was a call to give back a portion of what we received, but in the New Covenant, we are called to give even more. It’s about offering a sacrificial gift—a return to the Lord for all He has generously bestowed upon us.

As we approach our stewardship campaign this weekend, we ask everyone to prayerfully consider pledging. Your gift not only supports the needs of our parish, but also deepens your commitment to the call of discipleship.

How can I offer my time, talents, and treasures more generously in response to all that God has given me?

In what ways can I make my giving a more sacrificial act of love, aligning it with Jesus' example of selfless service?