2 Cor 4:7-15We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the power may be God's, 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. Everything is for you, so 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, we were like dreamers, laughing and rejoicing. Restore our fortunes!
Mt 20:20-28The mother of Zebedee's sons asked Jesus that they 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 who make their authority felt; to be great, serve. The Son came not to be served but to serve and to give his life....”
Reflect
Creighton: Jesus tells the apostles to do the right thing and all else will be right. Serve, discern and meet needs, act in solidarity with others, and don’t worry about how people will perceive you; just be like Jesus and drink the cup. But that's easier said than done. We need to serve to learn humility....
One Bread One Body: "Religious selfishness": God knows we sometimes pray not to get his will but ours, to please ourselves more than him, asking what's in it for us. We ask God to make promises to us instead of promising him our love. The Lord's attitude is, "You don't know what you're asking." We don't know the nature of prayer, love, and Christian life. Jesus tries to break the spell of self by leading us to serve and lay down our lives; only the love of the cross is stronger than selfishness.
Passionist: What was James' and John's mother thinking? James will ultimately drink the ‘cup’ Jesus drank when he's put to death shortly after Jesus. We can get discouraged by challenges or carried away by successes and lose sight of what God wants. May we stop, re-focus and re-align....
DailyScripture.net: We can thirst for recognition, fame, power, and authority to rule our lives and others'. James and John, Zebedee's sons, wanted to be the most important in position, but Jesus turned authority and power upside down, wedding it with love, sacrifice, service, and humility. What kind of cup does the Lord have for us?
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