7/25/2026 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 20:20-28
20 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.”
7/25/2026 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 20:20-28
Everyone has wishes. We wish for success, recognition, security, and a meaningful life. There is nothing wrong with dreaming of something better. However, the Gospel reading above reminds us that God reshapes our wishes so that they lead us not to selfish ambition but to loving service. The disciples were thinking about positions of honor, while Jesus was teaching them that true greatness is measured differently. The kingdom of God turns the world’s definition of success upside down.
Let the word WISH remind us how to live as authentic followers of Christ.
W – Welcome God’s Will Above Your Own
Sometimes our wishes are centered on what we want rather than on what God desires. We ask for comfort, promotion, or recognition, but God often invites us to something greater—faithfulness, humility, and sacrifice. Welcoming God’s will means trusting that His plans are wiser than our own. Instead of asking, “How can I become greater?” we begin asking, “How can I glorify God with my life?” When our hearts surrender to His will, we discover a deeper joy than worldly success can ever provide.
I – Imitate the Servant Heart of Jesus
Jesus showed that leadership is not about being served but about serving others. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every sacrifice made for another person reflects His example. A parent caring for a child, a teacher patiently guiding students, a coworker helping without expecting praise, or a volunteer serving quietly in the community all imitate the heart of Christ. The greatest influence often comes from those who humbly lift others up instead of drawing attention to themselves.
S – Serve Without Seeking Recognition
The world often rewards popularity, titles, and applause. Yet many of God’s greatest works are accomplished by people whose names are never known. A hidden prayer, an anonymous gift, a forgiving heart, or a helping hand offered in secret can change someone’s life forever. Service becomes beautiful when it is motivated by love rather than by the desire to be noticed. God sees every act of compassion, even when no one else does. His approval is far more valuable than human applause.
H – Humble Yourself and Lift Others Higher
Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. It means celebrating another person’s success without jealousy, listening before speaking, forgiving instead of seeking revenge, and placing the needs of others alongside your own. Humble people become channels of God’s love because they are more concerned about blessing others than protecting their own pride. Ironically, those who choose the lowest place in service are often the ones whom God lifts up in ways that truly matter.
Today, examine your WISH. Is it focused only on personal advancement, or does it include becoming a blessing to others? God is not merely interested in fulfilling our wishes; He wants to transform them. When our greatest wish becomes serving like Christ, we discover the kind of greatness that lasts forever. A life devoted to humble love leaves an eternal impact, because the highest place in God’s kingdom belongs to those whose hearts are willing to serve.
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