Wednesday of the Second Week

Reflection

Today’s readings call on us to meditate on the differences between the ways of humankind and the ways of God. When our sights are set beyond the limited and material nature of our existence in this life, we can embrace a different approach to how we live our lives.

Both Jeremiah and Jesus are aware of the threat posed to them by the people of Jerusalem. Jeremiah asks if good must be repaid with evil. He calls on God to punish the people of Jerusalem for their behavior. The psalmist exclaims that “my trust is in You, O Lord…rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.” Both these readings acknowledge the almighty power of God and our need to stay true to the Lord. Jesus spells out for His followers what is about to happen to Him when He enters Jerusalem: He will be turned over to the Gentiles and killed. This news is immediately followed by a temporal request from the mother of James and John. She hasn’t quite caught on to what Jesus is saying and asks that her sons be honored in the kingdom of God with places of great significance next to Jesus in His glory. This provides Jesus with another perfect teaching moment. He first clarifies what may happen to them all; then He equates honors such as have been requested with how the Gentiles measure status, not God; and He concludes that such honors are not for Him to give away. Jesus then gives His followers a difficult challenge: “whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.”

Prayer

Lord, help me to find the strength to place my trust in You completely; to strive to get beyond worldly measures of status and success; and to better serve You by serving others.

John Paul Devlin, Professor of Fine Arts, Theatre

Scripture

First Reading: Jeremiah 18:18-20
Psalm 31:5-6, 14-16
Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website