Uploaded by on Feb 26, 2013

In today's Gospel reading we see Jesus again emphasizing the Lenten message of service and humility. Additionally, we find Him letting His disciples know, as well as us, that in some measure all who follow him shall drink of the bitter chalice of persecution. In sports we are taught to compete to win. In business we learn to climb the corporate ladder. Throughout our lives the world teaches us that to be counted as successful we need to climb over others to be a winner. Yet Christ in today's Gospel points to just the opposite. He say's "...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." Mathew Chapter 20 This is a repeat of the Lenten call to humility and service we have heard repeatedly from our Lord. The Church, likewise has included these references within the Lenten season to show the importance of humility and service as an essential part of repentance and conversion. In today's reading Christ further cements its importance by calling attention to the fact that He is about to embark on the ultimate example of humility and services to others. "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." Along the way in today's reading Christ also lets His disciples, and us, know that if we follow Him, if we are living this life of service and humility in His service then we will face trials and persecution. We too, will in some measure, drink of the bitter chalice that is born of a world at odds with Christ. In reading this we should all take pause and examine our lives. Are we putting ourselves out there for Christ? Are we engaging in service and proclaiming His truth along with it? If we are the fruit that we should see come to fruition will not only be lives touched, hearts mended, but also opposition and resistance at times for Gods ways are not the ways of the world. If we do not see and experience such things we should question if we are truly seeking to grow in faith and service or whether we are simply watering down the Gospel message to one of comfort and feel goodness. That is not what we are called to. We are not called to some prosperity Gospel that is designed to makes us successful in the eyes of the world and feel good all the time. The waters of deep faith are ultimately the most satisfying but they are also at times by nature the most turbulent and stormy. As Lent continues let us all seek to move deeper in to our relationship with Christ, to seek the deep waters of faith, and to serve and put ourselves out there, even if we must drink of the bitter chalice, so that we might be renewed in Christ and ultimately Christ glorified but our actions, words, and faith. Posted to http://www.catholicfamilyman.com

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