Daily Readings - Thu Jul 25 2024
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 faith, humility, and service. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our weaknesses and struggles are not obstacles but opportunities for God’s power to shine through. Paul writes about holding a great treasure in earthen vessels, emphasizing that our frailty allows God’s strength to be revealed. This passage invites us to embrace our vulnerabilities, knowing that they are a means for God to work through us, even in the midst of tribulation.
The Gospel from Matthew challenges our understanding of greatness and leadership. When the mother of James and John asks for places of honor for her sons, Jesus responds by teaching that true greatness is found in service, not in power or status. He contrasts the worldly model of leadership, where the powerful dominate, with the Christian model, where the greatest among us are those who serve others. This teaching is both a call to humility and a reminder that our lives should reflect the self-giving love of Christ, who came “not to be served, but to serve.”
These readings are deeply connected. Both emphasize that our lives as Christians are not about seeking glory or comfort but about embracing sacrifice and service. In 2 Corinthians, Paul shows that our struggles are opportunities for God’s life to shine through us. In Matthew, Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in humility and service. Together, they call us to reorient our lives away from self-interest and toward the needs of others. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How can we embrace our weaknesses as a way to rely more on God? How can we serve others in our daily lives? May we find the courage to live out the paradox of Christian greatness, where true strength is found in humility and love.