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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Matthew 20:20-28
You have to be struck by the chutzpah of the mother of James and John. Let’s give her credit that at least she did homage to Jesus before making her request. And she was, no doubt, a very dedicated mother. Perhaps she was even a follower of Jesus herself.
When hearing her request Jesus directs His answer to her sons, “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” Scripture reports no additional word from Mom. Maybe after hearing Jesus’ reply she had some second thoughts.
Jesus reminds us that His kingdom is not about earthly authority, that “whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.” These are strong words.
Jesus doesn’t just say that authority is not what it’s all about. He says that He Himself came not to be served but to serve!
We are called to be servants. A servant does even more than give. To be a servant of another is to surrender autonomy, to be available to the master whenever needed. The servant obeys the master. It seems this is what the Lord wants of us. He wants our entire selves, our time, our inclinations, et cetera. He desires from us a willingness to give everything to Him, as He has given to us.
Jesus, Son of the living God, even gave His life as a “ransom for many.” This is a love beyond comprehension. Yet it is a love we are capable of, with God’s grace. The mother of John and James was envisioning an earthly kingdom. We are called not to greatness but to servitude.
Ponder:
In our daily lives, how can we adopt the role of servant, shunning greatness, and giving as the Lord has given to us?
Pray:
Oh Lord, teach me to be Your servant, Your slave, surrendering all to You, even my will.
Copyright 2020 Rosemary Bogdan
About the Author
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Rosemary Bogdan
Rosemary Bogdan is a wife, mother of six adult children, and a grandmother. She homeschooled her children when they were young and currently substitute teaches at her favorite Catholic school. When not spending time with her family, Rosemary writes at A Catholic Mother's Thoughts and Catholic365.com.
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