Mutual cooperation

Year B – Sunday 29

Readings: Isaiah 53: 10-11; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10: 35-45 

There must be a sense of sacrifice if one is to live in communion with others. This is diametrically opposed to thinking solely of oneself, irrespective whether others might suffer from one’s self-centred decisions. Being with others is feeling responsible of others as much of oneself, and being prepared to forfeit one’s comfort for the sake of teamwork, solidarity and joint efforts. This is what Isaiah addresses.

This is what Jesus teaches, as the Epistle to the Hebrews reminds us. Jesus did not lord it out over others, as he could have done. On the contrary, he became one unto others for the sake of all. He indicated how mutual cooperation should be by living it out. He sacrificed himself for others because he felt responsible for them. This is the path towards a just and peaceful society where everyone is valued and cherished. Jesus himself says as much: “The Son of man came not to be served but to serve.”

Moreover, Jesus goes beyond this. He also denounces all institutions and societies ― whether political, social, economic, familiar, religious, ecclesial ― which have created a hierarchical system of rulers and ruled. Such structures are not part of his vision. “It shall not be so among you.” His dream for humanity is one in which mutual cooperation will be the system of the day. This is the only system which can respect all individuals.