Daily Readings - Wed May 26 2021
Mark
32They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him.33"We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles,34who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise."35Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask."36"What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.37They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory."38"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?"39"We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with,40but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared."41When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.42Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.43Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,44and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Sermon
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the themes of compassion, service, and humility. In Sirach, we hear a heartfelt prayer pleading for God’s mercy and the recognition of His presence among all nations. It emphasizes God’s power and the desire for His glory to be known, urging us to trust in His justice and guidance. This prayer, rooted in a deep faith, calls us to seek God’s compassion and to live according to His will.
In the Gospel, Mark presents Jesus’ prediction of His passion and resurrection, followed by a lesson on true leadership. Jesus explains that His mission involves suffering and self-giving love, challenging His disciples to embrace humility. When James and John seek positions of honor, Jesus teaches that greatness in His kingdom is measured by service, not power. This lesson is a call to follow Jesus’ example, prioritizing the well-being of others over personal ambition.
These readings connect through their emphasis on humility and service. Sirach’s prayer for God’s compassion and Mark’s portrayal of Jesus’ mission both highlight the importance of surrendering our desires to serve others. In our daily lives, this means embracing humility and seeking opportunities to serve, whether in small acts of kindness or in larger commitments. The moral lesson here is clear: true greatness is found in serving others, just as Jesus did. Let us strive to follow His example, living with compassion and humility, and trusting in God’s guidance on our journey.