3/4/2026 (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.”

3/4/2026 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 20:17-28

As Jesus walks toward Jerusalem, He knows suffering awaits Him. Yet while He is focused on sacrifice, His disciples are still thinking about status. They are imagining positions of honor, seats of influence, and visible glory. In response, Jesus redefines greatness in a way that still challenges our modern world.

We live in a time that celebrates titles, followers, platforms, and applause. Success is often measured by how many people serve us, how high we climb, or how visible our achievements are. Even in workplaces, schools, churches, and families, there can be subtle competition like who gets recognized, who gets promoted, who gets credit. Ambition itself is not wrong, but when ambition becomes self-centered, it blinds us to the deeper call of God.

Jesus teaches that true greatness is not about climbing over others but lifting others up. Leadership in His kingdom looks different. It is not domination but devotion. It is not control but compassion. It is not about being served but choosing to serve.

Consider a manager who chooses to mentor struggling employees instead of competing with them. Or a teacher who stays after school to help a student who learns more slowly. Think about parents who sacrifice personal comfort to provide for their children, unseen and often unthanked. Think of a church volunteer who cleans quietly after everyone has gone home. These acts rarely trend on social media, but in God’s eyes, they reflect true greatness.

Jesus also speaks about a “cup” He must drink, a symbol of suffering and sacrifice. Greatness, in His definition, includes the willingness to endure difficulty for the sake of others. In our context, this might mean standing up for someone being bullied even when it risks popularity. It may mean telling the truth with integrity even when dishonesty seems easier. It may mean forgiving someone who deeply hurt us rather than holding on to resentment.

Service requires humility. Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself; it means thinking of yourself less. It is the quiet strength that says, “How can I help?” before asking, “What will I gain?” In a culture obsessed with personal branding, humility is revolutionary.

The passage ultimately points to Jesus Himself as the model. He had every right to claim power and glory, yet He chose the path of sacrifice. If the Son of God embraced servanthood, how much more should we?

Imagine how workplaces would change if leaders asked how they could empower rather than control. Imagine how families would grow stronger if each member looked for ways to serve rather than to demand. Imagine churches becoming communities known not for prestige but for compassion.

True greatness is not measured by the height of your throne but by the depth of your love. When we choose service over status, humility over pride, and sacrifice over selfishness, we reflect the heart of Christ. And in doing so, we discover that the path downward in humility is actually the path upward in God’s kingdom.

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