Daily Readings - Thu Jul 25 2019
2 Corinthians
7But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, so that what is sublime may be of the power of God, and not of us8In all things, we endure tribulation, yet we are not in anguish. We are constrained, yet we are not destitute9We suffer persecution, yet we have not been abandoned. We are thrown down, yet we do not perish10We ever carry around the mortification of Jesus in our bodies, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies11For we who live are ever handed over unto death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh12Therefore, death is at work in us, and life is at work in you13But we have the same Spirit of faith. And just as it is written, "I believed, and for that reason I spoke," so we also believe, and for that reason, we also speak14For we know that the One who raised up Jesus will raise us up also with Jesus and will place us with you15Thus, all is for you, so that grace, abounding through many in thanksgiving, may abound to the glory of God
Matthew
20Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him, with her sons, adoring him, and petitioning something from him21And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Declare that these, my two sons, may sit, one at your right hand, and the other at your left, in your kingdom.22But Jesus, responding, said: "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink from the chalice, from which I will drink?" They said to him, "We are able.23He said to them: "From my chalice, indeed, you shall drink. But to sit at my right or my left is not mine to give to you, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.24And the ten, upon hearing this, became indignant with the two brothers25But Jesus called them to himself and said: "You know that the first ones among the Gentiles are their rulers, and that those who are greater exercise power among them26It shall not be this way among you. But whoever will want to be greater among you, let him be your minister27And whoever will want to be first among you, he shall be your servant28even as the Son of man has not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a redemption for many.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of power, service, and the challenges of following Christ. In the first reading from 2 Corinthians, St. Paul speaks of the paradox of being fragile, earthen vessels that hold the sublime treasure of God’s power. He reminds us that our struggles and sufferings are opportunities for God’s life to shine through us. The Gospel from Matthew presents a similar theme but shifts the focus to the nature of true greatness. The mother of James and John asks for positions of power for her sons, but Jesus responds by teaching that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in service, not in seeking status or control.
Both readings emphasize that the Christian life is not about avoiding difficulties or seeking worldly power but about embracing a life of self-giving love. In 2 Corinthians, Paul lists the trials he and other early Christians endured—tribulation, constraint, persecution—but insists that these are not obstacles to faith but opportunities for God’s power to be revealed. Similarly, in Matthew, Jesus contrasts the Gentiles’ way of ruling through domination with the Christian way of ruling through service. He calls his disciples to be servants, just as he came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
These readings challenge us to examine how we live out our faith in daily life. Do we see our struggles as opportunities for growth and witness, or do we try to avoid them? Do we seek to serve others, or do we look for ways to elevate ourselves? The moral lesson is clear: true power comes from surrendering our own will and embracing a life of humility and service. As we go about our day, let us ask for the grace to trust in God’s power, even in our weakness, and to live as servants of one another, following the example of Christ.