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.

Economic equality

Year B – Sunday 28

Readings: Wisdom 7: 7-11; Hebrews 4: 12-13; Mark 10: 17-30 

Economic imbalance, both amongst individuals in first and second world countries and amongst entire nations, seems to have become for many people a reality as natural as the air we breathe. Some think of it as necessary and unavoidable. This might indeed not be so. The Book of Wisdom reminds us that, to imagine another type of economic structure which does not breed disparity, a new mentality must be adopted, one which values good-sense higher than material or financial wealth or political muscle.

One way of acquiring such an understanding is by allowing the Word of God work in our hearts and minds. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews makes this clear. The Word is capable of cleansing our mentalities as much as our thoughts and intentions. It will always be difficult, if not impossible, to behold the world with new eyes if our hearts and minds are captive of attitudes, outlooks and mindsets which put up with injustices and inequalities.

Jesus encourages his disciples to relinquish the obsession with money, wealth and personal prosperity. Riches cannot be deemed higher than people without corrupting the human spirit. To behold a world of fraternity, peace and justice one must necessarily surrender one’s obsession with personal hoarding and accumulation and embrace a policy of communal enrichment. We are either improved together or, despite our individual wealth, personally impoverished.