Feast of St. James, Apostle

“Command that these two sons of mine sit one at your right and the other at your left in your Kingdom.” – Matthew 20:21

       I started being an altar boy at the age of 10. In truth, I was forced by my mom since she wanted me to become a priest. At 14, I joined the youth ministry. I couldn’t say no because it was my crush who invited me. At 19, I became one of the leaders of the same youth ministry, simply because there was no one else to lead it. I felt I had no choice.

       Then, I started attending The Feast. Why? I was informed that George Gabriel, whose voice I admire, sings at The Feast for free, and I wouldn’t have to pay for seminars to hear sought-after preacher Arun Gogna talk.

         I had selfish reasons for doing the things I’ve done, but God used them anyway. Now, God is using every bit of experience I have to accomplish what He wants me to do as a preacher and Feast builder.

       In the Gospel, Jesus used the wrong reasons of James and John’s mother to teach us an important lesson — that He did not come to be served, but to serve.

       Friends, offer your reasons to God and allow Him to show you His lesson. Jan Carlo Silan (jan@makatifeast.com)

Reflection: Why do you do the things you do? Do you offer them to Jesus every day?

Lord, fuel my heart with the correct reasons. At the end of the day, let my love for You be the main reason behind the things I do. Amen.

We are earthen vessels that are hurt and broken. Through faith, we hold within us an incredible treasure that has the power to transform the whole world — the resurrected Christ. Let us plant this truth firmly in our minds and hearts so that sin will not lead us astray again.

2 Corinthians 4:7-15

7 Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair;  9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we too believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. 15 Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.

Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

R: Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

1 When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. (R) Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. (R) 4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the southern desert. 5 Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. (R) 6 Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. (R)

The sons of Zebedee got it wrong. They misunderstand the nature of the Gospel if they think discipleship is all about earning the right to sit next to Jesus at the heavenly banquet. We also get distracted from the important aspects of the Gospel and indulge in petty rivalries and jealousy. This never serves the Kingdom of God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.

Matthew 20:20-28

20 The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. 21 He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” 22 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.” 23 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.” 24 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. 25 But 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. 26 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; 27 whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. 28 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.”

think: Petty rivalries and jealousy never serve the Kingdom of God.

Thank You Lord for: __________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Judith 1-4

THE RASH PRAYER OF ST. JAMES

In today’s Mass we mention in the Prayer over the Gifts that James was “the first Apostle to share the cup of suffering and death.”

       That’s the same James who had told the Lord that he can “drink the cup” that Jesus was about to drink — the cup of suffering. He surely did not understand at that time what the “cup” meant. And when he came to understand it, he did not think in his wildest dreams that he would be the first among the Apostles who would follow the Lord into suffering and death. According to the Acts of the Apostles (12:2-3), James was beheaded under King Herod Agrippa I in the year 42 or 44.

       Together with his brother, John, he belonged with Peter to the favored group of Apostles whom Jesus granted the special privilege to witness His Transfiguration and the rising of the daughter of Jairus. Maybe this privileged status among the Twelve got into his head, and so, together with John, he uttered a rash request that the Lord grant them places of honor in the Kingdom of God. They hadn’t grasped yet what Jesus had said that whoever wants to follow Him has to take the cross upon his shoulders.

       Like many of us, he asked the Lord for more than what he was ready or worthy to receive. Of course, we are encouraged to pray and ask the Lord to grant us what we think we need. We even have to be persistent in our prayer. But it is up to God whether He grants what we are asking for or not. In the end, we have to learn to add to all our prayers what Jesus added to His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Father, not My will be done but Yours.”

       After all, God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows better what is good for us and what is not. He knows how worthy we are of special gifts. This thought leads us to greater trust in God when one of our prayers is not answered the way we were hoping for. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you still trust God when your prayers are not answered?

Lord, many times I was discouraged when my prayers were not answered. The reflection on St. James makes me aware that You always know better than I know myself. Lord, deepen my trust in You. Amen.