Today we commemorate the feast of St. James the Greater, son of Zebedee. He and his brother John are famous for their zeal in wanting to sit at the left and right of the Lord when Jesus comes into His glory. This causes jealously among the other disciples.
Jesus points out to them that as His followers we are not to worry about personal gain. Jesus tells them, "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." (Matthew 20:25) Jesus then goes on to say, "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. (Matthew: 20:26-27)
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are all called to serve others. We are to see Jesus Christ in those people in our lives that we come into contact with everyday, whether it's our family members, our co-workers, or those people we come into contact with during our day to day existence. We are not worry about who's more important, but rather be concerned about serving all in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. By doing so we are bringing the love of Christ to those who most need it. Is it easy? No! That's where we share in the suffering of Christ. People may not be as open to Christ as we are. But that's where we share in the chalice of Christ! People may misunderstand our motives for serving them, but that shouldn't deter us from serving them in the name of Jesus Christ.
We are to remember what Jesus tells us, "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.” (Matthew 20:28)
Thank you, the message is very clear, Deacon Tom. It perfectly defines the characteristics of a Christian, as a true follower of Christ: in loving charity towards others as joyful servants of Christ. Nilda, OCDS ~
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