Daily Readings - Tue Jul 25 2023
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
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.