Daily Readings - Mon Jul 25 2022
2 Corinthians
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.
Matthew
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 humility, service, and enduring trials. The second reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our weaknesses and sufferings are vessels through which God's power is revealed. Paul emphasizes that despite tribulations, the life of Jesus shines through our mortal flesh, a testament to God's transformative power. This passage invites us to trust in God's plan, even when faced with challenges.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a contrasting view of power. Jesus teaches that true greatness in His kingdom is not about status or authority, but about serving others. When the mother of Zebedee's sons seeks positions of honor for them, Jesus uses the opportunity to redefine leadership. He explains that in His kingdom, the greatest are those who serve, exemplifying His own mission to give His life as a ransom for many. This teaching challenges us to embrace humility and prioritize service in our interactions.
Both readings converge on the themes of humility and service. Paul's endurance of trials and Jesus's lesson on leadership remind us that our faith is not about personal gain but about surrendering to God's will and serving others. In our daily lives, this means embracing humility, seeking opportunities to serve without seeking recognition, and trusting in God's strength amidst difficulties. The moral lesson here is clear: true greatness lies in service, and our faith is strengthened through trials. Let us strive to live this truth, allowing God's power to shine through our weaknesses and serving others with humility.