25 Jul
Thu
St James, Apostle, feast
2 Cor 4: 7-15
Ps. 125(126):1-2,2-3,4-5, 6
Mt. 20: 20-28
(Psalter proper)
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In the three years of His ministry, Jesus' words and deeds portrayed a humble servant up until His death on the cross. However, many people still misunderstood the purpose of His coming among us. By asking favours for her sons, the deepest desire of the mother of Zebedee's sons was to have a bright future for her children. However, she was envisioning positions of power and prestige instead of service and humility. Maybe in our own lives we also frequently confuse happiness with worldly influence, either by accumulating material wealth or trying to earn high positions in social structures. Responding to this tendency, Jesus simply tells us: "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave." It is only by leaving pride and conceit aside that we will gain peace and joy. A life of service and humility may bring pains and sufferings but, as the first reading tells us, it is only when we carry the death of Jesus in our body, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.



Lord Jesus, grant us the grace to transcend the difficulties that arise as we perfect ourselves to become like You who has saved us from eternal damnation.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That World Youth Day in Brazil may encourage all young Christians to become disciples and missionaries of the Gospel.
Elaboration

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