Daily Readings - Sat Jul 25 2020
2 Corinthians
7But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.8We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;10always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.11For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.12So death is at work in us, but life in you.13Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we also speak,14knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.15For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
Matthew
20Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something.21And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom."22Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able."23He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."24And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers.25But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.26It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,27and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,28even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom 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.