Daily Readings - Mon Jul 25 2022
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 enduring trials. The second reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our weaknesses and sufferings are vessels through which God's power is revealed. Paul emphasizes that despite tribulations, the life of Jesus shines through our mortal flesh, a testament to God's transformative power. This passage invites us to trust in God's plan, even when faced with challenges.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a contrasting view of power. Jesus teaches that true greatness in His kingdom is not about status or authority, but about serving others. When the mother of Zebedee's sons seeks positions of honor for them, Jesus uses the opportunity to redefine leadership. He explains that in His kingdom, the greatest are those who serve, exemplifying His own mission to give His life as a ransom for many. This teaching challenges us to embrace humility and prioritize service in our interactions.
Both readings converge on the themes of humility and service. Paul's endurance of trials and Jesus's lesson on leadership remind us that our faith is not about personal gain but about surrendering to God's will and serving others. In our daily lives, this means embracing humility, seeking opportunities to serve without seeking recognition, and trusting in God's strength amidst difficulties. The moral lesson here is clear: true greatness lies in service, and our faith is strengthened through trials. Let us strive to live this truth, allowing God's power to shine through our weaknesses and serving others with humility.