Daily Readings - Thu Jul 25 2024
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 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.