Daily Readings - Tue Jul 25 2023
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 Christian life. In the first reading from 2 Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us that we are but earthen vessels, fragile and weak, yet it is precisely through our vulnerabilities that God’s power is revealed. He speaks of enduring tribulations and carrying the mortification of Jesus in our bodies, so that the life of Jesus may shine through us. This passage emphasizes that our struggles and weaknesses are not obstacles but opportunities for God to work through us.
In the Gospel, Matthew presents a striking lesson on true greatness. The mother of James and John asks Jesus for positions of power for her sons, but Jesus responds by teaching the disciples that leadership in the Kingdom of God is not about ruling but serving. He contrasts the worldly model of power, where the strong dominate the weak, with the Christian model, where the greatest among us are those who serve others. Jesus himself is the ultimate example, for he came not to be served but to serve, even to the point of giving his life as a ransom for many.
These readings are deeply connected. Both remind us that the Christian life is one of self-emptying and surrender. Paul’s emphasis on carrying the cross of Christ in our bodies aligns with Jesus’ call to follow him in humility and service. In a world that often values power and status, these readings challenge us to reorient our lives toward the values of the Kingdom: humility, service, and trust in God’s providence. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I seeking power or recognition in my life? How can I imitate Christ by serving others? May we embrace our weaknesses and use them as opportunities to let God’s light shine through us, remembering that true greatness lies in loving and serving others.