Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress": James

Readings

2 Cor 4:7-15 We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the power may be God's and not ours. We're afflicted but not constrained, perplexed but not despairing, persecuted but not abandoned, struck but not destroyed. We're being given up to death for Jesus' sake so his life may be manifested in us. We believe and speak, knowing God will raise us with Jesus. Everything is for you, so that grace may cause thanksgiving for God's glory.

Ps 126:1bc-6 "Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing." When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers, laughing and rejoicing. Restore our fortunes!

Mt 20:20-28 The mother of the sons of Zebedee asked Jesus that her two sons will sit beside him in the Kingdom. Jesus / sons: “Can you drink the chalice I'm going to drink?” / “We can.” / “Then you shall, but the seats aren't mine to give.” Jesus to the others: “Don't be like rulers make their authority felt; to be great, serve. The Son came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom.”

Music

Reflections

"Can you drink
from the cup?"

Creighton: We're called to serve; when we do, we help others and feel more alive ourselves. We become God's instruments and help bring about of the Kingdom.

One Bread One Body: After Pentecost, James taught the good news and worked signs and wonders; King Herod killed him before turning to Peter.

Passionist: James and his brother John were fishermen Jesus called to follow him, but envy, greed, power, and prestige began to form: when a town failed to offer a proper reception, they suggested destroying it, but Jesus rebuked them. When their mother asked for prominent places for her sons, Jesus reminded them of the ‘chalice'. We want the best for ourselves and our children. Their mother did too but got it wrong, as we can as we try to follow Jesus, but if we remain steadfast, God will accomplish wonders in and through us!

DailyScripture.net: Jesus' reversals: master/servant, lord/subject, first/last. Jesus wedded authority with love, position with sacrifice, and service with humility. Authority without love is overbearing; position without respect for subordinates is demeaning; service without generosity and sacrifice is cheap. What 'chalice' does the Lord have for us: martyrdom, daily sacrifices?

Universalis: St. James, fisherman, John's brother, Transfiguration witness, Gethsemane sleeper, beheaded by Herod Agrippa I. Confraternity of St. James restores and upgrades refuges. See Catholic Encyclopedia.