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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider The great among you shall be your servant

The great among you shall be your servant

Published Jul 25, 2026 12:05 am  |  Updated Jul 24, 2026 04:46 pm
REFLECTIONS TODAY
Today’s feast of St. James the Apostle invites us to reflect on how following Jesus is a process of purifying our motives and deepening our commitment to the Lord. On the one hand, James and his brother John are described as being impulsive, “sons of thunder” (Mk 3:17), quick to respond to what they perceive to be a threat or wrong.
They are also singled out as aspiring for an important place in the Kingdom, asking to sit on the side of Jesus, although in the Matthean version this is a bit mitigated by making the mother do the asking of the said favor. In short, gifted or committed as they are, they also need purification of their motives, to learn the lesson of humility and servanthood over positions of privilege, even if it is only a “holy desire.” But we know how much they have grown in the company of Jesus.
Often, with Peter, the two brothers are mentioned in company with the Lord Jesus. In fact, James takes the “privilege” of being the first to witness to Jesus by his life among the Twelve Apostles.
Applying this to ourselves, we are invited to cherish the gifts or the strengths we are endowed with; but at the same time, to also see where we need purification and mortification. Perhaps, also in our ambitions, albeit hidden or not-so-obvious at times. Notwithstanding, may these great desires also translate into willingness to offer one’s life when necessary, just like what St. James was called to do.
Gospel • Matthew 20:20-28
The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something.
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.”
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.”
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.”
When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers.
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. 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. 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.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
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