Daily Readings - Mon Jul 25 2022
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 profound lessons on humility, service, and enduring trials. The second reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our weaknesses and sufferings are vessels through which God's power is revealed. Paul emphasizes that despite tribulations, the life of Jesus shines through our mortal flesh, a testament to God's transformative power. This passage invites us to trust in God's plan, even when faced with challenges.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a contrasting view of power. Jesus teaches that true greatness in His kingdom is not about status or authority, but about serving others. When the mother of Zebedee's sons seeks positions of honor for them, Jesus uses the opportunity to redefine leadership. He explains that in His kingdom, the greatest are those who serve, exemplifying His own mission to give His life as a ransom for many. This teaching challenges us to embrace humility and prioritize service in our interactions.
Both readings converge on the themes of humility and service. Paul's endurance of trials and Jesus's lesson on leadership remind us that our faith is not about personal gain but about surrendering to God's will and serving others. In our daily lives, this means embracing humility, seeking opportunities to serve without seeking recognition, and trusting in God's strength amidst difficulties. The moral lesson here is clear: true greatness lies in service, and our faith is strengthened through trials. Let us strive to live this truth, allowing God's power to shine through our weaknesses and serving others with humility.