Daily Readings - Wed May 26 2021
Mark
32And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him,33saying, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles.34And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise."35And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you."36And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?"37And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory."38Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?"39And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized,40but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared."41And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John.42And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.43But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,44and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.45For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Sermon
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the themes of compassion, service, and humility. In Sirach, we hear a heartfelt prayer pleading for God’s mercy and the recognition of His presence among all nations. It emphasizes God’s power and the desire for His glory to be known, urging us to trust in His justice and guidance. This prayer, rooted in a deep faith, calls us to seek God’s compassion and to live according to His will.
In the Gospel, Mark presents Jesus’ prediction of His passion and resurrection, followed by a lesson on true leadership. Jesus explains that His mission involves suffering and self-giving love, challenging His disciples to embrace humility. When James and John seek positions of honor, Jesus teaches that greatness in His kingdom is measured by service, not power. This lesson is a call to follow Jesus’ example, prioritizing the well-being of others over personal ambition.
These readings connect through their emphasis on humility and service. Sirach’s prayer for God’s compassion and Mark’s portrayal of Jesus’ mission both highlight the importance of surrendering our desires to serve others. In our daily lives, this means embracing humility and seeking opportunities to serve, whether in small acts of kindness or in larger commitments. The moral lesson here is clear: true greatness is found in serving others, just as Jesus did. Let us strive to follow His example, living with compassion and humility, and trusting in God’s guidance on our journey.