2/28/2024 (Wednesday) Today’s gospel reading: Matthew 20:17-28

17 As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way,
18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death,
19 and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons
and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something.
21 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.”
22 Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.”
23 He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
24 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers.
25 But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt.
26 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant;
27 whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.
28 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.”

2/28/2024 (Wednesday) Today’s gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 20:17-28

In the gospel passage above, Jesus unveils a profound lesson about the essence of true greatness through sacrificial service. He speaks of his impending suffering and death, revealing the paradox that true leadership is found in selfless love and sacrificial service rather than the pursuit of personal glory.

This passage challenges our societal norms that often equate success with position and power. Jesus, the epitome of humility, presents a revolutionary concept of leadership that transcends the worldly pursuit of authority. He beckons us to emulate his example of servant leadership, reminding us that the path to greatness lies not in being served but in serving others.

In the tapestry of our lives, let us weave threads of compassion, empathy, and service. Embracing the selfless love exemplified by Jesus, we can transform our communities and inspire positive change. By prioritizing the needs of others above our own, we discover a profound fulfillment that transcends the transient allure of worldly success.

May this passage resonate in our hearts, prompting us to reassess our ambitions and redefine our understanding of leadership. Let us be leaders who humbly shoulder the burdens of those around us, finding fulfillment in the quiet yet impactful moments of service. In doing so, we not only honor the teachings of Christ but also contribute to a world where leadership is synonymous with love, humility, and sacrificial service.

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