About the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
October 17, 2021
The readings for the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B speak of the cost of discipleship. The first reading foretells of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. The second reading reminds us that Jesus understands our weaknesses. And in the gospel, Jesus warns his disciples that it will be difficult to follow him and they must develop servants’ hearts.
Humility, sacrifice, and mercy are topics for these readings. Here are some ideas:
Daily Mass Readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
- First Reading – Isaiah 53:10-11: “Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.”
- Second Reading – Hebrews 4:14-16: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.”
- Gospel –Mark 10:35-45: “Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.”
Resources
King of the Hill – A Lesson Plan on Getting Ahead
This reflection and small group questions will help youth understand that Jesus is asking us to be a different type of leader.
The Power of God – A Prayer Based on Psalm 33
This prayer is based on Psalm 33, which is the responsorial psalm for this Sunday.
Prayer for Humility
Jesus is asking us to be humble servants. This prayer asks for the grace to serve with humility.
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“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
Homilies and Background Material for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Jesus: The Servant
Fr. Richard Rohr explains that Jesus wanted to show a different type of leadership, where those at the bottom and on the outside matter.
Substitutionary Sacrifice
Bishop Robert Barron explains the readings for this day in terms of collective consciousness instead of individualism.
The power of servant leadership
Servant leadership is radically different than the leadership we typically see. Servant leadership does not necessarily give immediate satisfaction, but it does promote justice in the long term.
The Primary Mission of a Leader
A leader must help the people he or she is leading.