Greetings on this the Feast of Saint James, Apostle
Readings: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15; Psalm 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6; Matthew 20:20-28
Summary
In our gospel portion today, the mother of James and John has her own ideas of how to reap the benefits of being a disciple of Jesus. We can’t go too far into the mind and heart of a Mom (to be sure it is not written in a flattering way!). Jesus allows for the event to illustrate the difference between personal power and ministerial power. Lordship is personal power – an attribute of a person and the authority to command based upon the inherent right to do so. Jesus is the Lord and he possesses such power. Rather Jesus is attracting people to be earthen vessels that the transfer of divine grace, in abundance, to more and more people. Ministerial power is the willingness to allow the Lord to be seen, felt and experienced without the gain of personal power – Servanthood.
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” (MT 20:20-21). Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God. But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. (2 COR 4:15, 7).
Reflection
How often do we command Jesus to command something? Isn’t it the same thing? Are you picking the seat at his right and the other at his left?
Personal Reflection
May my person have the authority to command… myself… to be an earthen vessel to allow grace to be given to more and more people in abundance and surpassing power of the divine love.
Activity
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072525.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry