Daily Readings - Wed Jul 25 2018
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 humility, service, and the nature of true greatness. The second reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our human frailty is a vessel for God's power, urging us to endure trials with faith, knowing that the life of Jesus is manifested through our struggles. The Gospel from Matthew presents a stark contrast between worldly ambition and Christian humility. Jesus teaches that true leadership is not about power but about serving others, as He himself came not to be served, but to serve.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own approach to challenges and relationships. In a world often driven by competition and status, we are called to redefine greatness through selflessness and humility. Just as Paul's earthen vessels highlight God's strength, our struggles can be opportunities to rely on divine grace. Jesus's teaching challenges us to embrace a life of service, where our actions reflect a commitment to others rather than personal gain.
As we navigate our daily lives, let us seek to embody this spirit of humility and service. In our interactions, may we choose to serve rather than seek power, and in our struggles, may we find strength in God's presence. Through this, we can live as true disciples, redefining greatness in a way that honors Jesus and brings light to the world.