Feast of St. James, Apostle
MY SELF-WORTH
But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. – 2 Corinthians 4:7
Promotion
at work, high assessment, excellent audience feedback. These were
things I loved. But every time I failed or when the evaluation was just
satisfactory, it’s as if my value went on sale, 50 percent off. Years
later, I realized that my achievements defined my self-worth. I’ve been
part of Charismatic communities for the longest time but it turns out I
was just superficially declaring that my worth was rooted in God. I
prayed for healing.
In
2007, I felt God leading me to resign. But how could I when I faced a
bright future as a TV reporter and was already next in line as part of
the new batch of anchors?
It
took two years before I finally surrendered, but it liberated me from
my neediness. I felt my worth even if I could no longer be promoted or
get to host my own TV show. I am like an earthen vessel as the Bible
verse suggests, a clay jar that can easily break, but I hold inside me
the surpassing power that is God’s, not mine. There I found my
self-worth.
I
served full-time for a Charismatic community. But guess what? God
blessed me with hosting jobs for TV shows that landed on my lap. Truly
He provides and knows the desires of my heart. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)
REFLECTION:
The
joy is mine. The glory is His. When people praise me, do I embrace the
glory or do I recognize God inside me to give back to Him the glory?
Lord
God, help me discover my neediness and heal me so my heart may
consistently recognize my worth rooted in You which is not defined by
achievements or what other people think and expect of me.
St. James, Apostle, pray for us.
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1ST READING
The
knowledge of the indwelling presence of the Risen Lord in our lives is
the most precious treasure we can ever receive. This inspired the
martyrs to give their lives for the sake of the Gospel and missionaries
to leave their countries without the hope of return. Let us seek to
deepen our knowledge of this truth so that it can both inspire and
strengthen our resolve to do whatever God tells us to do.
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.
P S A L M
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)
GOSPEL
As
we celebrate the Feast of St. James, let us remember the debt we owe
the men and women who have gone before us in the life of faith. Let us
be thankful for their faithfulness and seek to emulate it to provide a
contemporary example for the people of our time and the generations to
follow. St. James eventually dies for his faith as a martyr; let us be
willing to do the same.
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 him 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: The knowledge of the indwelling presence of the Risen Lord in our lives is the most precious treasure we can ever receive.
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STAGE MOTHER
The
wife of Zebedee felt that her sons’ inclusion in the inner circle of
Jesus would be translated into something concretely delightful. She is a
mother, and any mother would want only the best for her children. Call
her a stage mother, but the fact is that mothers would always want to
ensure a good future for their children. She was naturally ecstatic at
the prospect of her two boys taking the most prominent places at the
right and left of Jesus’ throne.
But
she failed to see the more glorious places that the Lord has prepared
for those who wish to be His followers and servants. If she only
understood the soul of Jesus’ Lordship and the challenge He is giving to
those who wish to seek power and be first in line.
His
battle cry is servant leadership: He who wishes to be great should be
the servant of all. He who wishes to be first should be the slave of
others. This is what He exactly did in His kenotic leadership: He came
not to be served but to serve and give His life for the redemption of
all. The Gospel posts a challenge to a world where bosses are powerful
and where authority is a privilege. In our country where connections
matter and power is a sea of worldly opportunities, the Gospel presents
an alternative which may not be attractive but undoubtedly more
fulfilling and lasting.
This
reminds me of the regular Sunday feeding program in my former parish.
More than a hundred street people were treated to a decent lunch every
week. It was a foretaste of heaven to the poor people who rarely use
spoon and fork when they eat. Sponsoring families opt to hold their
birthdays or anniversaries with the street people. I used to tell them
that if they would throw a party for the street people, their party
would be remembered for a lifetime. In the end, the donors were even
happier because they have served the needy. It provides lessons
especially to their young children who discover the joy of sharing and
giving.
I’m sure Mrs. Zebedee’s sons discovered the more fulfilling alternative to their ambition. And the mother understood after all.Fr. Erick Y. Santos, SFO
REFLECTION QUESTION: What concrete apostolates have you engaged in to experience being a servant to the needy?
Lord, may I always seek to serve rather than be served.
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