Paul's call to Service

Christian Commitment
in Today's World

Matthew 20:20-28 (The Message)

 ²⁰It was about that time that the mother of the Zebedee brothers came with her two sons and knelt before Jesus with a request.
 ²¹"What do you want?" Jesus asked.
   She said, "Give your word that these two sons of mine will be awarded the highest places of honor in your kingdom, one at your right hand, one at your left hand."
 ²²Jesus responded, "You have no idea what you're asking." And he said to James and John, "Are you capable of drinking the cup that I'm about to drink?"
   They said, "Sure, why not?"
 ²³Jesus said, "Come to think of it, you are going to drink my cup. But as to awarding places of honor, that's not my business. My Father is taking care of that."
 ^24-28When the ten others heard about this, they lost their tempers, thoroughly disgusted with the two brothers. So Jesus got them together to settle things down. He said, "You've observed how godless rulers throw their weight around, how quickly a little power goes to their heads. It's not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage."

For Reflection
Of all the gall!  Stage door mother!

Living a Christian life is one of paradox.  Great is small, leading is serving, and a sinner becomes  a saint!  What does it mean to give away your life in exchange for the many who are held hostage?  Who in today's world are held hostage?  Who or what holds them hostage?  What holds you hostage?

Pray that you become one with Christ.  Pray that you become a worthy vessel for the delivery of God's grace.  Pray that you find joy in the small commonplace acts of kindness, peace and reconciliation.  Celebrate the little things.