August 28th - Reflection

Matthew 20:20-28 (NRSV)
A request for seats of honor

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." He said to them, "You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."

When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes 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 a ransom for many."

Reflection
You will be servants. Jesus came and served those on this earth. We are called to serve as well. The Holy Spirit gives us gifts to use in service to those God gives to us day after day.

In corporate America, we tend to view success as working up the ladder. Working up the ladder brings success and higher pay. Working up the ladder brings power and prestige. Working up the ladder may bring success, but what is the purpose? Is the purpose a selfish attempt or is the purpose something greater? The purpose of working up the ladder makes all the difference.

Here Jesus shows an example of purpose, but Jesus shows us how to work down the ladder to success. Jesus works down the ladder and serves with and to the sinful, the poor, the sick and those who need him. Jesus works down the ladder with a purpose of giving his life to give life to all people. Jesus purpose was to give his life a ransom for many.

Work down the ladder and love like Jesus has taught us to love. See what Jesus first did and love because he first loves us. That's the purpose that lasts beyond life. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, as I learn to serve as you have served, use me and the gifts I have to serve others, today, tomorrow and forever. --- Amen