True greatness is defined by humble action,

to help people rather than seeking high status.

not titles you hold. Doing kind deeds instead of just talking about them.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊   

2 Corinthians 4:7-15

However,

We carry this treasure in vessels of clay, so that this all-surpassing power

may not be seen as ours, but as God's. Trials of every sort come to us,

but we are not discouraged. We are left without answer, but do not despair;

persecuted but not abandoned, knocked down but not crushed.

 

At any moment, we carry, in our person, the death of Jesus,

so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in us. For we,

the living, are given up continually to death, for the sake of Jesus,

so that the life of Jesus may appear in our mortal existence.

And as death is at work in us, life comes to you.

 

We have received the same spirit of faith referred to in Scripture, that says:

I believed and so I spoke. We also believe, and so we speak. We know that he,

who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us, with Jesus, and bring us,

with you, into his presence. Finally, everything is for your good,

so that grace will come more abundantly upon you,

and great will be the thanksgiving for the glory of God.

 

Ps 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3,4-5,6

Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Matthew 20:20-28

Then the mother of James and John came to Jesus with her sons, and she knelt down,

to ask a favor. Jesus said to her, "What do you want?" And she answered,

"Here, you have my two sons. Grant, that they may sit,

one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom."

 

Jesus said to the brothers, "You do not know what you are asking.

Can you drink the cup that I am about to drink?" They answered,

"We can." Jesus replied, "You will indeed drink my cup; but to sit

at my right or at my left is not for me to grant. That will be for those,

for whom my Father has prepared it."

The other ten heard all this, and were angry with the two brothers.

 

Then Jesus called them to him and said, "You know,

that the rulers of nations behave like tyrants, and the powerful oppress them.

It shall not be so among you: whoever wants to be great in your community,

let him minister to the community. And if you want to be the first of all,

make yourself the servant of all. Be like the Son of Man,

who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life to redeem many."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

 Greatness is measured by how you serve others.

The word "great" is frequently applied to people who realize success and

have an impact on their discipline. Power is what it's mostly linked with,

reflecting the best human attributes. Initially, Jesus's disciples sought status and power,

as shown when the mother of James and John asked for high positions.

 

However, Jesus has a new standard for us, stating that greatness is measured

by how you serve others, not by ruling over them. His teaching confronts

our desire for fame and authority, showing that the path to happiness is humility

and selflessness. His invitation, "Whoever wishes to be great among you

must be your servant," calls us to reassess our priorities and live as He did.