Daily Readings - Fri Jul 25 2025
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 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.