Daily Readings - Tue Jul 25 2017
2 Corinthians
7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.13It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak,14because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence.15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Matthew
20Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.21"What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom."22"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?We can," they answered.23Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father."24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.25Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as 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.