Daily Readings - Tue Jul 25 2017

First Reading - 2 Corinthians 4.7-15

⁷But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.⁸We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;⁹Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;¹⁰Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.¹¹For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.¹²So then death worketh in us, but life in you.¹³We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;¹⁴Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.¹⁵For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Gospel - Matthew 20.20-28

Matthew

Chapter 20

²⁰Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.²¹And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.²²But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.²³And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.²⁴And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.²⁵But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.²⁶But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;²⁷And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:²⁸Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on trust and service. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our bodies, though weak, hold God's power. Paul emphasizes enduring trials with faith, knowing that God's strength shines through our vulnerabilities. In the Gospel, Matthew shares a moment where Jesus teaches His disciples about true leadership. When the mother of James and John seeks prominent positions for her sons, Jesus shifts the focus to humility and service, illustrating that leadership is about serving others, not seeking power. These readings, set in their respective contexts, highlight trust and service. Paul's letter encourages believers to rely on God's power amidst struggles, while Jesus' teaching in Matthew occurs during His journey to Jerusalem, where He prepares His disciples for the true nature of His mission. Both readings converge on the theme of trust and service, urging us to trust God in hardships and embrace humility in our interactions. In our daily lives, we face challenges that test our faith and opportunities to serve others. These readings remind us to trust in God's plan and strength, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Embracing a servant-like attitude, we can transform our interactions, leading with humility and compassion. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God's power during trials and live with humility, serving others as Jesus did. Let us carry this message into our lives, trusting and serving with grace.