Daily Readings - Tue Jul 25 2023
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
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.