Daily Readings - Sat Jul 25 2020
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
In today's readings, we encounter powerful themes of suffering and service, inviting us to reflect on our faith and our role in the world. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that we are but fragile vessels, yet we hold within us the treasure of God's power. This passage, written in a time of great persecution, encourages believers to endure trials with faith, trusting that God's strength shines through our weaknesses. It reassures us that even in tribulation, we are not alone, for the life of Jesus is manifested in our mortal flesh.
In the Gospel of Matthew, we witness a pivotal moment where the mother of Zebedee's sons seeks positions of power for her children, only to be met with a lesson on true greatness. Jesus teaches that leadership among His followers is not about dominance but about service. He emphasizes that suffering is part of the journey, symbolized by drinking from His cup. This teaching challenges us to embrace a life of humility and service, just as Jesus did, who came not to be served, but to serve.
These readings connect through the themes of suffering and service, reminding us that our struggles are opportunities for growth and that true leadership is found in humility. In our daily lives, we can apply these teachings by viewing our challenges as chances to trust in God's power and by embracing service as a path to greatness. Let us strive to be vessels of God's love, finding strength in our vulnerabilities and living as servants, inspired by Jesus' example. May we find hope in our trials and may our service to others reflect the transformative power of faith.