FEAST OF SAINT JAMES, APOSTLE
First Reading - 2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Gospel - Matthew 20:20-28
Many times, we want to avoid difficulties and hardships of our lives. Today the readings remind us that they are unavoidable but we need to cultivate virtues to stand strong against such situations.
In the first reading, Paul uses the image of game in order to strengthen the Corinthian to stand firm in their faith. Every two years at Corinth the Isthmian Games were held, more famous in the ancient world than the Olympic Games – better prizes, easier access, better toffee-apple stalls, more distinction. Paul would have been familiar with this from his stay in Corinth, and, as a tent-maker, may have made tents for the tented village of the competitors. It would have included rough sports, like boxing and wrestling and even gladiatorial contests, so competitors and spectators would have known all about pursuits, being knocked down and scarred, possibly even deaths. The Christian is not daunted, but like a courageous gladiator, springs up and carries on through all difficulties. The courage, through difficulties, comes from the virtue of humility which gives patience to endure everything.
Jesus further ellaborates the virtue of humility in the gospel passage of the day.The gospel passage is sandwiched between two different themes; passion prediction by Jesus and the request of the posts for James and John by their mother. The request of the posts by the mother of James and John and indignation on the part of the disciples, after hearing the matter, depict the mistaken understanding of the disciples about Jesus who expected him to be a political Messiah for the people of Israel. Jesus, in the beginning of this passage, makes a prophecy of his passion but realising the mistaken image of the disciples, once again underlines that he is not a political Messiah rather a suffering Messiah who would die for the salvation of the humanity. Therefore, the disciples are invited to follow Jesus in his suffering and humility as he himself is willing to die in the service of humanity. Therefore, Jesus tells his disciples that the humility is to be manifested in the humble service of one another. Here Jesus teaches how to lay the foundation of humility; it is through serving one another.
Dear friends, hardships and challenges are irrevocable for us. However, what we can pray to God for is patience and courage through them. In the first reading, Paul underlines the unavoidable circumstances of difficulties and challenges of life and exhorts the Christians to cultivate patience and courage to endure them. We also need patience and courage when we are faced with challenges and difficulties of our lives. Jesus in the gospel ellaborates that patience and courage emanate from humility and the virtue of humility is derived from genuine life of humble service of one another or through our loving relationship of service of one another. Jesus himself sets an example of humble service by his passion and death. Let's work on the virtue of humility by disposing ourselves in the service of our brothers and sisters.
May God bless us with the virtue of humility.
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