Gospel
Mark 10:35-45 Or 1042-45
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." He replied, "What do you wish me to do for you?" They answered him, "Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left." Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" They said to him, "We can." Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared." When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
OR:
Jesus summoned the twelve and said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Sermon
My brothers and sisters in Christ, James and John's request reveals a misguided understanding of greatness. Jesus corrects them, teaching the true nature of leadership in the Kingdom.
Key Principles:
1. Misunderstanding Greatness (vv. 35-40)
- Seeking power and prestige
- Ignoring the cost of discipleship
1. The Cup of Suffering (vv. 38-40)
- Jesus' path of suffering and service
- Disciples' participation in His cup
1. Kingdom Leadership (vv. 42-45)
- Not lording over, but serving
- Greatness through humility and servitude
- Jesus' example: serving and giving His life
Implications for Us:
- Rethink greatness: from power to servitude
- Embrace the cup of suffering
- Serve others, following Jesus' example
- Lead with humility, not authority
Conclusion:
May we embrace servant leadership.
Reflection Questions:
1. How do you define greatness?
2. Where can you serve others?
3. How can you follow Jesus' example?
Action Steps:
- Volunteer for a service project
- Study biblical teachings on servitude (Matthew 20:26-28, Philippians 2:5-11)
- Practice humility in relationships
- Seek opportunities to serve others.
Prayer
Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty, merciful, and loving God, make us servants, led by humility. May we redefine greatness through Your eyes.
We pray for:
Humility to lead and serve
Courage to embrace the cup of suffering
Wisdom to follow Jesus' example
Strength to serve others selflessly
Guidance to lead with servitude
In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.
Give me, O Lord, the knowledge of what I should know, The strength to do what I should do, and the grace to be what I should be.
Grant me to know Thy will,
To love it with all my heart,
And to fulfill it with all my strength.
Anima Christi, sanctifica me.
(Christ's soul, sanctify me.)
May these prayers guide you in embracing servant leadership.
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,
Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ