WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE
"What great thing was it to the King of the ages to become the King
of humanity? (St. Augustine of Hippo)
In the first
reading from the Prophet Isaiah we read, "For
the Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue... My face I did not shield
from buffets and spitting... knowing, that I shall not be put to shame"
(Is. 50:4, 6b, 7b). It's not surprising that the early Christians saw in the
servant songs a remarkable similarity to Jesus' life and ministry. In an
earlier chapter from the Prophet Isaiah we read the third servant song about
the suffering servant. This passage helped Jesus' followers understand His
death on the cross in a new and hopeful way.
St. Augustine of
Hippo comments on the significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, "The master of humility is Christ Who
humbled Himself and became obedient even to death, even the death of the cross.
Thus He does not lose His divinity when He teaches us humility... What great
thing was it to the King of the ages to become the King of humanity? For Christ
was not the King of Israel so that He might exact a tax or equip an army with
weaponry and visibly vanquish an enemy. He was the king of Israel in that He
rules minds, in that He gives counsel for eternity, in that He leads into the
Kingdom of heaven for those who believe, hope, and love. It is a condescension,
not an advancement for One Who is the Son of God, equal to the Father, the Word
through Whom all things were made, to become King of Israel. It is an
indication of pity, not an increase in power" (Tractates on John
51:3-4).
Please take the
time today to reflect on "The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ"
according to Mark's Gospel.