Unworthy Servants

"So you also, when you 

have done everything 

you were told to do, 

should say, 

'We are unworthy servants; 

we have only done our duty.'" 

(Luke 17:10)

Jesus highlights the significance of duty and responsibility. It encourages us to faithfully carry out our tasks and responsibilities, understanding that this is our obligation. He teaches us the importance of humility reminding us that, no matter how much we accomplish, we should remain humble and recognize that we are simply fulfilling our duties.

Jesus emphasizes the role of servanthood in our lives. We are called to serve others and God without seeking praise or recognition for our actions. By acknowledging ourselves as unworthy servants, we cultivate a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve and for the grace we receive from God.

These lessons inspire us to live with humility, embrace our role as servants, fulfill our duties responsibly, and maintain a grateful heart. 

In humble service, we stand tall, 

Yet know our worth is small. 

For every task, each duty done, 

We owe it all to God's own Son.

We labor not for earthly praise, 

But in the light of heaven's gaze. 

Our hands may toil, our hearts may strive, 

Yet in His grace, we truly thrive.

Unworthy servants, this we claim, 

For all we do, in Jesus' name. 

No merit earned, no glory sought, 

Just faithful hearts, with love in thought.

So let us serve with humble grace, 

Reflecting Christ in every place. 

For in His service, we are free, 

Unworthy servants, blessed to be.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that we are unworthy servants. We recognize that all we do is simply our duty, and we owe everything to Your grace and mercy. Help us to serve You faithfully, without seeking praise or recognition.

Grant us the strength to carry out our responsibilities with diligence and humility. May we always remember that our actions are a reflection of Your love and grace. Teach us to be grateful for the opportunity to serve and to find joy in fulfilling our duties.

Lord, guide us to live lives that honor You, and help us to remain humble in all that we do. May our service be a testament to Your glory and a reflection of Your boundless love.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

ATTITUDE OF A SERVANT

Luke 17:7-10

Gospel Acclamation

Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him.

Gospel | Luke 17:7-10

7 Jesus said to his Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? 8 Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? 9 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Seal on the Servants of God

 “Do not damage the land 

or the sea or the trees 

until we put the seal on the foreheads 

of the servants of our God.” 

(Revelation 7:3)

The seal on the foreheads of God's servants symbolizes divine protection. It reassures us that God watches over and protects those who are faithful to Him. It represents a spiritual marking that sets God's people apart. It emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects our identity as God's servants.

The act of sealing signifies God's authority and ownership. It reminds us that we belong to God and are under His care and guidance. The instruction to wait before harming the land, sea, or trees teaches us about God's perfect timing. It encourages us to trust in His plan and be patient, knowing that He is in control.

These lessons encourage us to trust in God's protection, recognize His authority, be patient with His timing, and live in a way that honors our identity as His servants.

In the quiet of the morning light, 

God's seal upon us, shining bright. 

Marked by His love, we stand secure, 

In His embrace, forever pure.

Through trials and storms, we hold fast, 

His seal upon us, it will last. 

A sign of grace, a pledge divine, 

In every heart, His love will shine.

Sealed by God, we walk in peace, 

His presence with us, never to cease. 

In every step, His guidance clear, 

With faith and hope, we persevere.

So let us live with hearts aglow, 

Sealed by God, His love we show. 

In every moment, great or small, 

His seal upon us, binds us all.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging Your divine protection and love. Thank You for sealing us with Your Holy Spirit, marking us as Your own. We are humbled by Your grace and the assurance of Your presence in our lives.

Lord, help us to live in a way that honors this sacred seal. May we walk in Your truth, guided by Your wisdom and strengthened by Your love. Let our lives reflect Your light, bringing hope and peace to those around us.

In times of trial and uncertainty, remind us of Your promise and the security we have in You. May we find comfort in knowing that we are forever held in Your loving embrace.

We pray for the courage to be Your witnesses, sharing Your gospel and love with the world. Use us, Lord, to fulfill Your purpose and to bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

Book of Revelations

THE 144,000 SEALED / TRIUMPH OF THE ELECT

Revelation 7:1-8 / 9-17

First Reading | Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

2 I, John, saw another angel come up from the East, holding the seal of the living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to damage the land and the sea, 3 “Do not damage the land or the sea or the trees until we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand marked from every tribe of the Israelites. 9 After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.” 11 All the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne, worshipped God, 12 and exclaimed: “Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” 13 Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, “Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?” 14 I said to him, “My lord, you are the one who knows.” He said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

November 1, 2023

Last of All

In the realm where divine paths intertwine,

God's ways are not always aligned with thine.

The world may equate greatness with power and gold,

But in God's kingdom, a different story is told.

True greatness comes from humility, from service, from grace,

In God's kingdom, the last shall be first, the first shall find their place.

Children, dependent, trusting, and pure,

Hold the qualities that in us, Jesus wants to endure.

Facing problems with courage, with faith in the Divine,

Not seeking escape, but letting His light shine.

We cast our burdens on Him, in His strength, we trust,

Knowing He will sustain us, He is fair and just.

Let us listen to His word, seek His wisdom, His light,

Apply it to our lives, let it guide our flight.

Rely not on our understanding, but on His alone,

For it is through His love and wisdom, our path is shown.

REFLECTION:

“If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

God’s ways are not always our ways. The world often equates greatness with power, wealth, and status but in God’s kingdom, true greatness comes from being humble and serving others where the last will be first and the first will be last. Children are dependent, trusting, and humble. These are the qualities that Jesus wants us to have in our relationship with Him. We should face our problems with courage and faith in God, instead of trying to escape from them. We can cast our burdens on God, knowing that He will sustain us. Let us always listen to God's work, seek God’s wisdom and understanding and apply it to our lives rather than relying on our own.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We acknowledge that Your ways are not always our ways. In this world, greatness is often equated with power, wealth, and status, but in Your kingdom, true greatness comes from being humble and serving others. Help us to remember that in Your kingdom, the last will be first and the first will be last.

We strive to have the qualities of children who are dependent, trusting, and humble. These are the qualities that You want us to have in our relationship with You. Help us to face our problems with courage and faith in You, instead of trying to escape from them. We cast our burdens on You, knowing that You will sustain us.

Let us always listen to Your word, seek Your wisdom and understanding. Help us to apply Your teachings to our lives rather than relying on our own understanding. Guide us, Lord, in all our ways and lead us into everlasting life.

In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery

THE SECOND PREDICTION OF THE PASSION / 

THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM

Mark 9:30-32 / 33-37

Gospel | Mark 9:30-37

Gospel Acclamation

May I never boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. 

30 Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. 31 He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. 33 They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34 But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. 35 Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” 36 Taking a child he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the one who sent me." 

Background:

The passage Mark 9:30-37 is part of the second major section of the Gospel of Mark (8:22-10:52). This section contains a threefold pattern that appears three times: Jesus predicts his passion and resurrection, the disciples don’t understand, and Jesus then gives the disciples further teachings.

In Mark 9:30-37, there are two distinct episodes. The first is Jesus predicting his death and resurrection for the second time (the first was in Mark 8:31-33)2. The disciples, however, do not understand what he is talking about and are afraid to ask him.

The second episode reveals the disciples’ ignorance. They had been arguing about who among them was the greatest. This argument, juxtaposed with Jesus’ words about his coming suffering, is a display of irony and contributes to the continued depiction of the disciples and Jesus.

This passage furthers the revelation of Jesus’ identity, using the title “Son of Man” (Daniel 7:13). It’s important to remember that this entire section in Mark’s gospel is framed at the beginning and end by accounts of blind people who are given sight (8:22-26, 10:46-52). This stark image of going from blindness to sight is a big literary clue. As the blind man is given sight, however gradually, so the disciples, who are blind to Jesus’ mission and identity, are given sight, albeit gradually.

In summary, Mark 9:30-37 is a crucial passage that highlights the disciples’ lack of understanding and Jesus’ patient teaching about his mission and the nature of true greatness in the kingdom of God. It serves as a reminder of the need for humility and service in the Christian life.

Learning Lessons:

Mark 9:30-37 provides several important lessons for us:

Humility: Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from being humble and serving others. This is a counter-cultural message, as the world often equates greatness with power, wealth, and status. But in God’s kingdom, the last will be first and the first will be last.

Understanding God’s Will: The disciples’ lack of understanding about Jesus’ prediction of his death and resurrection shows that God’s ways are not always our ways. It reminds us to seek God’s wisdom and understanding rather than relying on our own.

Childlike Faith: When Jesus places a child in the midst of the disciples, He is teaching them (and us) about having a childlike faith. Children are dependent, trusting, and humble. These are the qualities that Jesus wants us to have in our relationship with Him.

Facing Difficulties with Courage and Faith: The passage also teaches us to face our problems with courage and faith in God, instead of trying to escape from them. We can cast our burdens on God, knowing that He will sustain us.

The Importance of Listening: The disciples’ argument about who was the greatest shows that they were not really listening to Jesus’ teachings. This serves as a reminder for us to truly listen to God’s word and apply it to our lives.

These lessons from Mark 9:30-37 can guide us in our daily lives and help us grow in our relationship with God.  (Copilot)

Published:

May 21,2024, 11:25 AM

Servant and Steward of Christ

Thus should one regard us: 

as servants of Christ 

and stewards of the mysteries of God. 

Now it is of course required of stewards 

that they be found trustworthy. 

(1 Corinthians 4:1-2)

We are servants of Christ. This means adopting a posture of humility and service in all we do. It’s about putting others’ needs before our own and serving with a heart that seeks to honor God. We are entrusted with various responsibilities and gifts. It is important to be faithful stewards of what God has given us. This includes our time, talents, and resources. Faithfulness means using these gifts wisely and for God’s glory, not for personal gain or recognition. 

Human judgment is limited and often flawed. Instead of seeking approval from others, we should focus on pleasing God. His judgment is what ultimately matters, and He sees the true intentions of our hearts. We are encouraged to refrain from making hasty judgments about others. Only God knows the full picture and the true motives behind actions. By waiting for God’s judgment, we practice patience and trust in His perfect timing and wisdom.

Let us be genuine in our faith and actions. It’s not about outward appearances or seeking validation from others, but about being true to our calling and living authentically before God.

Servants of Christ

In humble service, we stand tall,

With hearts that heed the Savior’s call.

To place others’ needs before our own,

In every act, His love is shown.

Entrusted with gifts, both great and small,

We strive to be faithful, giving our all.

Time, talents, and resources we share,

For God’s glory, with utmost care.

Human judgment, flawed and blind,

In God’s approval, peace we find.

His gaze sees the heart’s true intent,

On pleasing Him, our focus is bent.

Refrain from haste in judging others,

For only God knows what each heart covers.

In patience, we trust His perfect plan,

His wisdom guides us, hand in hand.

Genuine faith, in actions pure,

Not for show, but to endure.

Living true to our divine call,

Authentic before God, we give our all.

Prayer for Servants of Christ

Heavenly Father,

We come before You as humble servants of Christ, seeking to adopt a posture of humility and service in all we do. Help us to put others’ needs before our own and to serve with hearts that seek to honor You.

You have entrusted us with various responsibilities and gifts. Grant us the wisdom to be faithful stewards of what You have given us—our time, talents, and resources. May we use these gifts wisely and for Your glory, not for personal gain or recognition.

Lord, we acknowledge that human judgment is limited and often flawed. Instead of seeking approval from others, help us to focus on pleasing You. Your judgment is what ultimately matters, and You see the true intentions of our hearts.

Teach us to refrain from making hasty judgments about others, for only You know the full picture and the true motives behind actions. By waiting for Your judgment, we practice patience and trust in Your perfect timing and wisdom.

Let us be genuine in our faith and actions. It’s not about outward appearances or seeking validation from others, but about being true to our calling and living authentically before You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

II. Disorders in the Corinthian Community

PAULS LIFE AS PATTERN

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

First Reading | 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

1 Brothers and sisters: Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself; 4 I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.

Background:

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 is part of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, addressing issues of leadership, judgment, and faithfulness. 

Historical Context

Corinth was a wealthy and cosmopolitan city in ancient Greece, known for its commercial prosperity and diverse population1. Paul established the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey and spent about 18 months there. The city was a hub of various cultural influences, which often led to moral and spiritual challenges for the early Christians.

Key Themes in 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Servanthood and Stewardship: Paul emphasizes that apostles and ministers should be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. This highlights the humility and responsibility required in their roles.

Faithfulness: Paul stresses the importance of being faithful stewards. It’s not about seeking human approval but being faithful to God’s calling.

Judgment: Paul addresses the issue of judgment, stating that human judgment is insignificant compared to God’s judgment. He encourages the Corinthians to refrain from premature judgments and to wait for the Lord, who will reveal the true intentions of the heart.

Practical Application

Paul’s message in these verses encourages believers to focus on faithfulness and humility in their service to God. It’s a reminder that ultimate judgment belongs to God, and we should trust in His timing and wisdom.

Learning Lessons:

1. Embrace Servanthood. Paul reminds us that we are servants of Christ. This means adopting a posture of humility and service in all we do. It’s about putting others’ needs before our own and serving with a heart that seeks to honor God. Approach your roles and responsibilities with a servant’s heart.

2. Be Faithful Stewards. We are entrusted with various responsibilities and gifts. Paul emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of what God has given us. This includes our time, talents, and resources. Faithfulness means using these gifts wisely and for God’s glory, not for personal gain or recognition. Use your gifts and resources wisely, always aiming to honor God.

3. Seek God’s Approval. Paul points out that human judgment is limited and often flawed. Instead of seeking approval from others, we should focus on pleasing God. His judgment is what ultimately matters, and He sees the true intentions of our hearts. Focus on pleasing God rather than seeking human approval.

4. Avoid Premature Judgments. We are encouraged to refrain from making hasty judgments about others. Only God knows the full picture and the true motives behind actions. By waiting for God’s judgment, we practice patience and trust in His perfect timing and wisdom.Trust in God’s timing and refrain from making quick judgments about others.

5. Focus on Inner Authenticity. Paul’s message encourages us to be genuine in our faith and actions. It’s not about outward appearances or seeking validation from others, but about being true to our calling and living authentically before God. Strive to be genuine and true in your faith journey.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

SERVE THE LORD

As for me and my household, 

we will serve the Lord.

JOSHUA 24:15

1 Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, summoning their elders, their leaders, their judges and their officers. When they stood in ranks before God, 2 Joshua addressed all the people, 

15 “If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your fathers served beyond the river or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” 

16 But the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord for the service of other gods. 17 For it was the Lord, our God, who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of a state of slavery. He performed those great miracles before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples through whom we passed. 

18 Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.”

Reflection and Prayer

Father in heaven, day after day, You have brought upon me great miracles and blessings. From being worldly, you have turned me to be godly.

Each day, you give me new life, beginning with my most treasured time with you. From the time I wake up in the morning, You breathe new life in me. You have deeply penetrated the core of my being in the sense that my life will never be complete if I will not start the day by being with You. It has been my way of life since You have called upon me to serve You.

It was you my Lord and my God who brought me up out of a state of slavery into freedom and abundance. You performed great miracles before my very eyes and protected me along my entire journey and among all the peoples through whom I passed. Therefore I will serve you my Lord, for You are my one and true God.

There is nothing that I can do without You O Lord, my God. In every move I make, your Hand is always there to protect and guide me. In your mighty hands, I claim victory over all of life challenges. May your Spirit always be upon me so that in everything I do, you will be praised and glorified. 

I can see and experience the light of your love that gives true meaning to what life is all about. Thank you so much for being with me every moment of my life and keeping me close to your heart. 

With much love and thanksgiving I humbly pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

As the LORD lives, whom I serve, 

I will receive none.

2 KINGS 5:16

14 Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times at the word of Elisha, the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean of his leprosy. 15 Naaman returned with his whole retinue to the man of God. On his arrival, he stood before Elisha and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel. Please accept a gift from your servant.” 

16 Elisha replied, “As the Lord lives whom I serve, I will not take it”; and despite Naaman’s urging, he still refused. 

17 Naaman said: “If you will not accept, please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth, for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the Lord.”

Published:

August 14, 2023, 8:03  AM

August 22, 2021, 6:50 AM

October 10, 2010, 6:42 AM

True Greatness

In a world that seeks the highest place,

Where power and status often race,

Jesus calls us to a different way,

To serve with love, to humbly stay.

True greatness lies not in the throne,

But in the hearts that love has sown.

In acts of kindness, small and grand,

We find the touch of Jesus’ hand.

Ambitions rise, desires for fame,

Yet Jesus redirects the flame.

To humble paths, to selfless deeds,

Where true fulfillment intercedes.

The greatest in God’s Kingdom bright,

Are those who serve with all their might.

Who put aside their own desires,

To light the world with holy fires.

Discipleship, a costly call,

To bear the cross, to give our all.

In self-denial, suffering’s face,

We find the depth of Jesus’ grace.

So let us trust in God’s own plan,

With humble hearts, let’s take a stand.

To lead with love, compassion’s art,

And put the needs of others first.

For in this path, we truly find,

A peace that fills both heart and mind.

Not seeking power, but to serve,

In Jesus’ steps, we find our nerve.

REFLECTION:

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)

Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking power or status. All of us have a common human desire for recognition and honor. Jesus redirects this ambition towards humility and selflessness, teaching that the greatest in the Kingdom of God are those who serve others. The cost of true discipleship involves self-denial and a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of others. Let us trust in God’s plan and timing, lead with humility and compassion, putting the needs of others before our own rather than striving for our own ambitions.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with hearts open to Your wisdom and love. You have taught us that true greatness is found in serving others, not in seeking power or status. Help us to internalize this lesson and live it out in our daily lives.

Lord, we recognize our human desire for recognition and honor. Redirect our ambitions towards humility and selflessness. Teach us to find fulfillment in serving others, knowing that the greatest in Your Kingdom are those who serve with love and compassion.

Grant us the strength to embrace the cost of true discipleship, which involves self-denial and a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of others. May we trust in Your perfect plan and timing, leading our lives with humility and compassion.

Help us to put the needs of others before our own, rather than striving for our own ambitions. Fill our hearts with Your love, so that we may reflect Your grace and mercy to those around us.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

VI: Ministry in Judea and Jerusalem

THE REQUEST OF JAMES AND JOHN

Matthew 20:20-28

Gospel Acclamation

I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord. 

Gospel | Matthew 20:20-28

20 The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. 21 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.” 22 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.” 23 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.” 24 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. 25 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. 26 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; 27 whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. 28 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.” 

Background

Matthew 20:20-28 is a passage that highlights the concept of servant leadership and the true nature of greatness in the Kingdom of God. Here’s a brief background and key lessons from this passage:

Context: This passage occurs as Jesus is making His way to Jerusalem, where He will eventually be crucified. It follows the parable of the workers in the vineyard, which emphasizes God’s grace and the reversal of human expectations about reward and status.

Request by the Mother of James and John: The mother of James and John (the sons of Zebedee) approaches Jesus with a request for her sons to sit at His right and left in His kingdom. This request reflects a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus’ kingdom, thinking it would be a political or earthly reign.

Jesus’ Response: Jesus asks James and John if they can drink the cup He is about to drink, referring to His impending suffering and death. They confidently say they can, but Jesus tells them that the positions they seek are not His to grant; they are prepared by the Father.

Key Lessons

Servant Leadership: Jesus contrasts the worldly view of leadership, where rulers lord over others, with the Kingdom view, where greatness is found in serving others. He states, "whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave".

Example of Jesus: Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of this servant leadership. He came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). This underscores the sacrificial nature of true leadership and greatness in God’s eyes.

Humility and Selflessness: The passage challenges believers to examine their motives and ambitions, encouraging a shift from self-centered desires to a focus on serving others and following Jesus’ example of humility and selflessness.

Learning Lessons:

Matthew 20:20-28 offers profound lessons that can deeply impact our spiritual journey. 

1. True Greatness in Service. Servant Leadership: Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking power or status. This is a call to lead with humility and compassion, putting the needs of others before our own. Example of Jesus: Jesus Himself exemplifies this by stating that He came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). His life and sacrifice are the ultimate models of servant leadership.

2. Humility and Selflessness. Humility: The request by the mother of James and John reflects a common human desire for recognition and honor. Jesus redirects this ambition towards humility and selflessness, teaching that the greatest in the Kingdom of God are those who serve others. Selflessness: By asking if James and John can drink the cup He is about to drink, Jesus highlights the cost of true discipleship. It involves self-denial and a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of others.

3. God’s Sovereignty. Divine Appointment: Jesus emphasizes that positions of honor in His Kingdom are determined by God the Father. This reminds us to trust in God’s plan and timing, rather than striving for our own ambitions.

4. Community and Unity. Unity Among Believers: The reaction of the other disciples to the request of James and John shows the potential for division and jealousy. Jesus’ teaching on servant leadership promotes unity and mutual respect within the community of believers.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Last will be First

In the realm where the Divine does reign,

Humility and service are the gain.

Not power, not status, not worldly acclaim,

But love and grace in His holy name.

No promise of life without pain or test,

In following Jesus, we give our best.

Comfort, possessions, ties that bind,

We may leave these all behind.

Sacrifices made, in faith, not in vain,

For the Kingdom of God, we bear the strain.

In the gospel's cause, we find our role,

His love inscribed on every soul.

Blessings abound in this life we're in,

And eternal life is the ultimate win.

For those who for His sake have strived,

In the age to come, they'll be revived.

REFLECTION:

"But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.” (Mark 10:31)

God’s Kingdom operates on principles of humility and service, rather than power and status. Jesus does not guarantee a life free from hardship or suffering. Following Jesus may involve giving up comfort, relationships, or material possessions. Sacrifices are often required in our journey of faith but our sacrifices for the Kingdom of God are not in vain. Those who sacrifice for His sake and the gospel will receive blessings in this life and eternal life in the age to come. 

Dear Lord Jesus,

In Your Kingdom, humility and service reign, not power, not status, not worldly gain. You've shown us that life may not be free from strife, but in following You, we find true life.

We understand that comfort, relationships, and possessions, may be given up in our faith's progressions. Sacrifices are often required in our journey of faith, help us remember, they're not in vain, but a wraith.

For the Kingdom of God, we willingly sacrifice, knowing that these offerings will suffice. Those who give for Your sake and the gospel's call,

Will receive blessings in this life and beyond all.

We trust in Your promise of eternal life to come, a reward for those who have faithfully run. Help us, Lord, to live by Your grace, and one day see You face to face.

In Your Holy Name, we pray,

Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery

THE RICH MAN

Mark 10:17-31

Gospel | Mark 10:28-31

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom. 

28 Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel 30 who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. 31 But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.” 

Background:

The background of Mark 10:28-31 is rooted in the context of the apostle Mark’s gospel. Here’s a brief overview:

Author and Date: The Gospel of Mark is traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of Peter. The exact date of its composition is unknown.

Recipients: The Gospel of Mark was likely written for a Roman audience, as it often explains Jewish customs and Aramaic terms.

Purpose: Mark’s Gospel presents Jesus as the suffering servant of the Lord. It emphasizes Jesus’ actions more than His teaching, highlighting His miracles as clear indicators of His divine Sonship.

Now, focusing on the specific verses Mark 10:28-31, these verses discuss the rewards of discipleship. Peter began to say to Jesus, "Look, we have left everything and followed you." Jesus assures Peter and the other disciples that anyone who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or fields for His sake and for the sake of the good news, will receive a hundredfold now in this age. However, it will include some suffering. In the age to come, they will receive eternal life. Jesus concludes by saying, "But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."

These verses underscore the sacrifices made for the sake of following Jesus and the promise of eternal rewards. It also emphasizes the reversal of worldly values in the Kingdom of God, where the last will be first.

Learning Lessons:

Mark 10:28-31 offers several important lessons for believers:

Sacrifice for the Gospel: Peter’s statement about leaving everything to follow Jesus highlights the sacrifices that are often required in the journey of faith. This teaches us that following Jesus may involve giving up comfort, relationships, or material possessions.

Rewards of Discipleship: Jesus assures His disciples that those who sacrifice for His sake and the gospel will receive blessings in this life and eternal life in the age to come. This underscores the concept of divine reward, reminding us that our sacrifices for the Kingdom of God are not in vain.

Suffering in this Life: Jesus mentions that the rewards in this life will come with persecutions. This is a sobering reminder that following Jesus does not guarantee a life free from hardship or suffering.

The Last Will Be First: Jesus’ statement that “many who are first will be last, and the last will be first” challenges worldly values and social hierarchies. It teaches us that God’s Kingdom operates on principles of humility and service, rather than power and status.

These lessons encourage us to be willing to make sacrifices for our faith, to trust in God’s promise of eternal rewards, to be prepared for suffering, and to embrace humility and service. (Conversation with Copilot)