The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 20:20-28
The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. 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.” 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.” 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.”
When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. 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. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. 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.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Encountering Christ
In this passage, we witness a mother’s moment of human ambition and misunderstanding, followed by a profound teaching from our Lord Jesus Christ. The mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approaches Jesus with a request for positions of honor for her sons in His kingdom. This request, while understandable from a mother’s perspective, reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus’ mission and the true meaning of greatness in the Kingdom of God.
Servant Leadership: Jesus uses this moment to teach us about the essence of true leadership and greatness. In the world, leadership often comes with power, prestige, and a certain level of authority over others. However, Jesus turns this concept upside down by declaring, *”Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave.”*
This teaching challenges us to rethink our understanding of leadership and service. In our daily lives, whether we are in positions of authority or not, we are called to embody the servant leadership of Christ. This means putting the needs of others before our own, serving without seeking recognition, and humbling ourselves for the good of those around us.
Embracing the Cup of Christ: Jesus also speaks of the cup He is to drink, referring to His impending suffering and sacrifice. He reminds James and John, and indeed all of us, that following Him involves embracing sacrifice and hardship. Our journey of faith is not always easy, but through these challenges, we grow closer to Christ and more fully understand His love and grace.
A Call to Self-Examination: As we reflect on this passage, let us examine our own hearts and motives. Are we seeking positions of honor and recognition, or are we genuinely striving to serve others as Christ did? Let us pray for the grace to embrace true humility and servant leadership, following in the footsteps of our Lord who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.
May we all strive to live out this Gospel message daily, becoming true servants of Christ and witnesses to His love and mercy in the world.
Action of the Day
Practical Ways of Applying Servant Leadership
1. In Our Families
As parents, guardians, or siblings, we can practice servant leadership by being attentive to the needs of each family member, offering support, and fostering an environment of love and understanding. This might involve simple acts of kindness, listening with empathy, and sacrificing our own desires for the well-being of others.
2. In Our Workplaces
For those of us in positions of authority, we can lead with humility and compassion. Instead of lording over others, we can mentor and support our colleagues, creating a collaborative and respectful work environment. Even if we are not in leadership roles, we can still contribute by working diligently, helping others, and maintaining a positive and cooperative spirit.
3. In Our Communities
Within our parishes and local communities, we can volunteer our time and talents to serve those in need. Whether it’s through participating in church ministries, supporting local charities, or simply being a good neighbor, we live out our faith through acts of service and kindness.
