When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers (James and John). 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. 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. 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." (Mt 20: 20-28)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072524.cfm
Jesus has to remind the disciples, that being a disciple is all about service, not power, not seats of honor, not golden vessels nor fancy vestments nor impressive titles. For “the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." Today’s photo is of the reliquary in the Shrine of Santiago de Compostela that holds the remains the Apostle James.
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Saint James, Apostle, July 25
