Daily Mass Readings

Today we hear about a mother who wants the best for her sons, as all parents do. She boldly asks Jesus to “command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” However, Jesus responds, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” Her two sons replied, “We can.” (Mt. 20:21-22 NABRE)

The eagerness with which the mother of James and John strove to attain superiority, recognition, and power for her sons is quite evident in this passage. It highlights the lingering desire that all humans experience in their hearts, which is to be better than others. Further, it demonstrates that like the sons of Zebedee, we are frequently attracted to the idea of prestige and we often seek and enjoy the satisfaction of being honored.

Yet, Jesus taught James and John that “whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mt. 20:26-28)

Those who are the greatest in the Kingdom of God, are those who seek to put others before themselves and to live their lives in service of the Lord. Like Jesus, we should serve others eagerly, with the intention of pouring out God’s love to those in need, so that they might experience what it’s like to be loved by the Lord. In order to do that, we must imitate Jesus by living lives of selfless service and by being willing to persevere even when the service is difficult, boring, tedious, or even painful.

And in those more difficult times when we are seriously struggling to be of service to others, we must see Jesus in the people we are helping, and remember that it is He Whom we are serving. Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Mt. 25:40) So, may we selflessly serve the Lord, and seek not our own interests.