Daily Readings - Sat Jul 25 2020
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 powerful themes of suffering and service, inviting us to reflect on our faith and our role in the world. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that we are but fragile vessels, yet we hold within us the treasure of God's power. This passage, written in a time of great persecution, encourages believers to endure trials with faith, trusting that God's strength shines through our weaknesses. It reassures us that even in tribulation, we are not alone, for the life of Jesus is manifested in our mortal flesh.
In the Gospel of Matthew, we witness a pivotal moment where the mother of Zebedee's sons seeks positions of power for her children, only to be met with a lesson on true greatness. Jesus teaches that leadership among His followers is not about dominance but about service. He emphasizes that suffering is part of the journey, symbolized by drinking from His cup. This teaching challenges us to embrace a life of humility and service, just as Jesus did, who came not to be served, but to serve.
These readings connect through the themes of suffering and service, reminding us that our struggles are opportunities for growth and that true leadership is found in humility. In our daily lives, we can apply these teachings by viewing our challenges as chances to trust in God's power and by embracing service as a path to greatness. Let us strive to be vessels of God's love, finding strength in our vulnerabilities and living as servants, inspired by Jesus' example. May we find hope in our trials and may our service to others reflect the transformative power of faith.