💖 HOMILY - JULY 25 💖

First Reading - 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 

Gospel - Matthew 20:20-28

There is a natural human desire for greatness—for our lives to have meaning, to make an impact, to be remembered. But in the kingdom of God, greatness is not measured by power or prestige, but by service, suffering, and love. Today’s readings remind us that the true path to glory is the path of humility and sacrifice.

In the Gospel, the mother of James and John comes to Jesus with a bold request: that her sons may sit at His right and left in His kingdom. She, like many, still imagines the kingdom in worldly terms — with positions of honor, status, and privilege. But Jesus responds with a question that cuts to the heart: “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” He speaks not of thrones but of suffering. His glory will come through the cross. And those who wish to follow Him must walk the same road — the road of service, of surrender, and of giving one’s life for others.

The other disciples are indignant — not because they understand the lesson, but likely because they too were hoping for the best seats. And so Jesus gathers them and teaches plainly: “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant… just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” In Christ’s kingdom, greatness is measured not by how high you rise, but by how low you are willing to go for love.

Paul echoes this in the first reading. He describes our human condition as holding treasure in “jars of clay.” We are fragile, limited, easily broken. And yet, God places His power in us — not to glorify us, but to show that the surpassing power belongs to Him. Paul speaks of being afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down — and yet never destroyed. Why? Because the life of Jesus is at work in him, even in suffering. His weakness becomes the place where Christ’s strength is revealed.

This is the paradox of Christian life: the more we empty ourselves in service, the more room we make for Christ’s power to shine through. The more we embrace our human limitations, the more we rely on divine grace. True discipleship means saying yes to the cup of sacrifice — not in bitterness, but in love, knowing that death always leads to resurrection.

Dear friends, we all carry jars of clay. We are not asked to be perfect, but to be faithful. We are not asked to seek status, but to pour ourselves out for others. That is where Christ is found — not in positions of honor, but in acts of hidden love. Let us not be afraid of the path of service. It is the path Christ walked before us, and it is the path that leads to true greatness.

May we drink the cup He offers, trusting that in our weakness, His strength is made perfect. And may we, like Paul, carry the death of Jesus in our bodies, so that His life may also be revealed in us.