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To be great you must be a servant



Gospel
Matthew 20:20-28
'Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?'

The mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons to make a request of him, and bowed low; and he said to her, ‘What is it you want?’ She said to him, ‘Promise that these two sons of mine may sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your kingdom.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus answered. ‘Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ ‘Very well,’ he said ‘you shall drink my cup, but as for seats at my right hand and my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted by my Father.’
    When the other ten heard this they were indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that among the pagans the rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’


Reflection on Matthew 20:20-28
In this Gospel, the mother of James and John seeks positions of honor for her sons in Jesus’ kingdom, revealing a human desire for status and recognition. Jesus responds with a challenging question: “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” The “cup” symbolizes His suffering and sacrifice, a path of self-giving love rather than worldly glory. Jesus redirects their ambition, teaching that true greatness lies in servanthood, modeled by His own life given as a “ransom for many.” This passage invites us to examine our own desires for power or prestige and to embrace humility and service instead.

Question for Reflection: 
How can I serve others selflessly today, following the example of Jesus?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, You came not to be served but to serve, offering Your life for us all. Help us to let go of selfish ambitions and to embrace the call to humility and service. Give us the courage to drink the cup of sacrifice, trusting in Your love and grace. May our lives reflect Your selfless heart, bringing Your kingdom’s light to others. Amen.
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