July 25, 2018 Wednesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time-B ST JAMES, APOSTLE
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Psalm 126
Matthew 20:20-28
…knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also… 2 Cor. 4:14
“Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant;” Mt. 20:26
Lord, you just have to love mothers. They want only the best for their children. The mother of James and John asked you to promote them to high places in your kingdom. But you point out that your Father will arrange for their place in heaven. You make a clear distinction between getting ahead in the kingdom of God and getting ahead in our worldly institutions. To be great in your kingdom is to be small in the world. To be first we choose to be last. Lord, you know how hard we work to achieve success in life. Give us that same desire to serve the needs of the lowly, the lonely, the hungry, the despairing. Help us to endure the stress and suffering that often come with giving ourselves to you. To be honest, Lord, I don’t really aspire to high places in your kingdom. I will be completely happy with whatever the Father wants for me. I trust in him and I trust in your grace to lead me to paradise. St. James, pray for us. Amen.