Daily Reflection – 3/11/2020
Sacred Scripture
Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” (Matthew 20:22–23)
Reflection
To me, the importance of this passage from scripture lies in Jesus’ reference to the chalice that was offered to all of his disciples.
Yes, it was bold of the mother of James and John to ask for preferential treatment. But Jesus rebukes her gently. He then moves on to ask if they – and we – are prepared to drink from the chalice that will be offered. That chalice refers to the chalice of blood that His father had willed for Him so that we might be saved.
Jesus gave His complete self and we are asked to give our complete SELF. Just as Jesus held nothing back and gave everything, we too are asked to do the same. In most cases our giving of everything is not as vivid as it was for Jesus but it is just as real. How do we give our self completely?
By making a personal choice to put others first and to serve them with love and compassion and seek no reward. A true disciple must be ready to lay down his or her life in martyrdom of SELF for Christ and be ready to lay it down each and every day in the little and big sacrifices required. The Christian life is full of daily sacrifices, disappointments, set-backs, struggles, and temptations. For all of us, the “going” can seem tough most days.
But the reward is so great!
The shedding of His blood on the cross was the payment for our sins – a price He paid that sets us free. Jesus laid down his life for us. This death to self is the key that sets us free to offer our lives as a sacrifice of thanksgiving and love for the Lord and for the people he calls us to serve.
Prayer of The Day
“Lord Jesus, make me a servant of love for your kingdom, that I may seek to serve rather than be served. Inflame my heart with your love that I may give generously and serve others joyfully for your sake.”
Daily Note
An early church father summed up Jesus’ teaching with the expression “to serve is to reign with Christ”. We share in God’s reign by laying down our lives in humble service of one another as Jesus did for our sake. Are you ready to lay down your life and to serve others as Jesus did?
