Matthew 20:20-28
Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, adoring and asking something of him. Who said to her: What wilt thou? She saith to him: say that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left, in thy kingdom. And Jesus answering, said: You know not what you ask. Can you drink the chalice that I shall drink? They say to him: We can. He saith to them: My chalice indeed you shall drink; but to sit on my right or left hand is not mine to give to you, but to them for whom it is prepared by my Father. And the ten, hearing it, were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them to him and said: You know that the princes of the Gentiles lord it over them; and that they that are the greater, exercise power upon them. It shall not be so among you: but whosoever is the greater among you, let him be your minister. And he that will be first among you shall be your servant. Even as the Son of man is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a redemption for many.
On the feast of St. James, Matthew 20:20-28 reminds us that greatness in God’s Kingdom is not about privilege or power, but service. James and John desire places of honor, yet Jesus points them toward the cup of sacrifice. True discipleship means following Christ in humility and self-giving love. The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve. This Gospel challenges our ambitions and invites us to lead through generosity. Today, may we seek not recognition, but the grace to serve faithfully wherever God places us.