Daily Readings - Fri Jul 25 2025
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 reflections on the nature of discipleship, service, and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that we are fragile, earthen vessels, yet we hold within us the sublime treasure of God’s presence. Paul emphasizes that our struggles and sufferings are not in vain, for they reveal the life of Christ in us. Despite tribulation, constraint, and persecution, we are not abandoned, because the Spirit of faith sustains us, and we trust in the promise of resurrection. The second reading from Matthew’s Gospel shifts our focus to the heart of true greatness. Jesus, when asked by the mother of James and John for places of honor in His kingdom, seizes the moment to teach His disciples about the essence of leadership. He contrasts the worldly desire for power and status with the selfless service that defines His mission. To follow Him is to embrace a life of humility, sacrifice, and love, for He came not to be served, but to serve.
These readings are deeply connected, as they both invite us to re-examine our understanding of strength and greatness. In 2 Corinthians, Paul shows us that true power is not about human achievement or control but about surrendering to God’s grace in the midst of weakness. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us to let go of our ambitions for recognition and instead embrace a life of service. Together, they remind us that the Christian life is not about avoiding struggles or seeking earthly glory but about allowing God to work through us, even in our vulnerabilities.
How can we apply this to our daily lives? Let us reflect on where we may be seeking power, status, or comfort, and ask ourselves if these desires align with the call to follow Christ. Are we willing to embrace the crosses in our lives as opportunities to manifest the life of Jesus? Let us also consider how we relate to others. Do we seek to dominate or control, or do we strive to serve and uplift? The moral lesson here is clear: true greatness is found in humility and self-giving love. As we navigate the challenges of our lives, may we trust in God’s power at work in us and strive to live as servants, just as Christ served us.