Daily Readings - Tue Jul 25 2017

First Reading - 2 Corinthians 4.7-15

⁷But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, so that what is sublime may be of the power of God, and not of us⁸In all things, we endure tribulation, yet we are not in anguish. We are constrained, yet we are not destitute⁹We suffer persecution, yet we have not been abandoned. We are thrown down, yet we do not perish¹⁰We ever carry around the mortification of Jesus in our bodies, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies¹¹For we who live are ever handed over unto death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh¹²Therefore, death is at work in us, and life is at work in you¹³But we have the same Spirit of faith. And just as it is written, "I believed, and for that reason I spoke," so we also believe, and for that reason, we also speak¹⁴For we know that the One who raised up Jesus will raise us up also with Jesus and will place us with you¹⁵Thus, all is for you, so that grace, abounding through many in thanksgiving, may abound to the glory of God

Gospel - Matthew 20.20-28

Matthew

Chapter 20

²⁰Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him, with her sons, adoring him, and petitioning something from him²¹And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Declare that these, my two sons, may sit, one at your right hand, and the other at your left, in your kingdom.²²But Jesus, responding, said: "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink from the chalice, from which I will drink?" They said to him, "We are able.²³He said to them: "From my chalice, indeed, you shall drink. But to sit at my right or my left is not mine to give to you, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.²⁴And the ten, upon hearing this, became indignant with the two brothers²⁵But Jesus called them to himself and said: "You know that the first ones among the Gentiles are their rulers, and that those who are greater exercise power among them²⁶It shall not be this way among you. But whoever will want to be greater among you, let him be your minister²⁷And whoever will want to be first among you, he shall be your servant²⁸even as the Son of man has not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a redemption for many.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on trust and service. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our bodies, though weak, hold God's power. Paul emphasizes enduring trials with faith, knowing that God's strength shines through our vulnerabilities. In the Gospel, Matthew shares a moment where Jesus teaches His disciples about true leadership. When the mother of James and John seeks prominent positions for her sons, Jesus shifts the focus to humility and service, illustrating that leadership is about serving others, not seeking power. These readings, set in their respective contexts, highlight trust and service. Paul's letter encourages believers to rely on God's power amidst struggles, while Jesus' teaching in Matthew occurs during His journey to Jerusalem, where He prepares His disciples for the true nature of His mission. Both readings converge on the theme of trust and service, urging us to trust God in hardships and embrace humility in our interactions. In our daily lives, we face challenges that test our faith and opportunities to serve others. These readings remind us to trust in God's plan and strength, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Embracing a servant-like attitude, we can transform our interactions, leading with humility and compassion. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God's power during trials and live with humility, serving others as Jesus did. Let us carry this message into our lives, trusting and serving with grace.