Daily Readings - Fri Jul 25 2025
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 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.