Daily Readings - Fri Jul 25 2025
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 reflections on the nature of discipleship, service, and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that we are fragile, earthen vessels, yet we hold within us the sublime treasure of God’s presence. Paul emphasizes that our struggles and sufferings are not in vain, for they reveal the life of Christ in us. Despite tribulation, constraint, and persecution, we are not abandoned, because the Spirit of faith sustains us, and we trust in the promise of resurrection. The second reading from Matthew’s Gospel shifts our focus to the heart of true greatness. Jesus, when asked by the mother of James and John for places of honor in His kingdom, seizes the moment to teach His disciples about the essence of leadership. He contrasts the worldly desire for power and status with the selfless service that defines His mission. To follow Him is to embrace a life of humility, sacrifice, and love, for He came not to be served, but to serve.
These readings are deeply connected, as they both invite us to re-examine our understanding of strength and greatness. In 2 Corinthians, Paul shows us that true power is not about human achievement or control but about surrendering to God’s grace in the midst of weakness. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us to let go of our ambitions for recognition and instead embrace a life of service. Together, they remind us that the Christian life is not about avoiding struggles or seeking earthly glory but about allowing God to work through us, even in our vulnerabilities.
How can we apply this to our daily lives? Let us reflect on where we may be seeking power, status, or comfort, and ask ourselves if these desires align with the call to follow Christ. Are we willing to embrace the crosses in our lives as opportunities to manifest the life of Jesus? Let us also consider how we relate to others. Do we seek to dominate or control, or do we strive to serve and uplift? The moral lesson here is clear: true greatness is found in humility and self-giving love. As we navigate the challenges of our lives, may we trust in God’s power at work in us and strive to live as servants, just as Christ served us.