Reflection for Tuesday July 25, Feast of Saint James, Apostle: Matthew 20:20-28

Gospel: 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.

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Reflection:

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? Does it mean to wield power and influence? Does it mean to be popular in your community? None of the above actually, to be a follower is to be ready to serve without any hidden agenda. To be a follower is not to desire greatness or any form of influence and popularity. 

The mother of the sons of Zebedee desired her two sons to sit beside Jesus in His kingdom. Why did she ask for this? She asked because she did not know the real essence of a follower of Jesus. If only she knew that a follower must be the epitome of humility she would have not asked for that exalted position. 

The mother of the two sons is the typical representation of the many modern parents of today. They want their children to be in the spotlight. To be in front and have all the attention that they could gather. 

But if this is the mindset of many parents today, what are they teaching their children? They’re teaching their children to have an arrogant mindset instead of a mindset of humility. Their teaching their children to seek prominence whenever they do good instead of simply fading away.  

If we want to grow in faith and if we want to be exalted by Jesus we have to learn to be humble. We have to learn not to desire greatness in whatever forms and shapes. Because in due time greatness will naturally come to those who are as humble as Jesus. –Marino J. Dasmarinas