5th Sunday of the Great Fast

On this Fifth Sunday of the Great Fast, dedicated to St. Mary of Egypt, the Gospel reading from Mark 10:32-45 reminds us of the path of true discipleship: the call to servanthood and humility in following Christ.

In this passage, Jesus reveals to His disciples, for the third time, His impending Passion. Yet, James and John, misunderstanding His mission, ask for positions of glory at His right and left. Jesus gently redirects their desires, teaching them—and us—that greatness in His kingdom comes not from power or status but through service and self-sacrifice. He sets the ultimate example, saying, "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

St. Mary of Egypt embodies this teaching through her life of radical repentance and humility. Once consumed by sin, she encountered the transformative power of God's grace in the desert. Her journey of repentance and asceticism reveals that no soul is beyond redemption when it turns wholeheartedly to Christ.

As we approach the end of the Forty-day Great Fast which is this Friday, commemoration of St. Mary of Egypt invites us to reflect on our own lives. Are we seeking the fleeting glories of this world, or are we walking the path of humility and service that leads to true greatness in God's eyes? Let us be inspired by St. Mary’s example, trusting in God's boundless mercy and striving to imitate Christ, who laid down His life in love for us all.