Feast of Saint James, Apostle

Today's Mass Readings

Today’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew’s Gospel is an important one. It tells of this interesting incident when St. John’s and St. James’ (whose feast it is today) mother approached Jesus to ask that her sons sit at His right and left in His kingdom. We might be able to relate to their mother, presumably Salome who was also a follower of Jesus, who desired her children to sit beside Jesus in the kingdom. Some have maintained that Salome was the Blessed Virgin Mary’s sister, in which case this desire would be even more natural. I think too often when we read this passage, we think to ourselves, “silly woman, don’t you realize Jesus’ kingdom is not like earthly kingdoms? Jesus isn’t going to set up a kingdom at all.” Notice however that in response to her, Jesus says nothing of the kind. He never once denies that He is in fact establishing His kingdom, clearly understood by His audience as the Davidic Kingdom, or a transformed Davidic Kingdom. Instead Jesus explains that He cannot appoint them to sit at His right and left, because those positions have already been appointed, tradition often holds that the right hand position is for Mary Jesus’ mother.

The most important insight, however, comes when Jesus contrasts His kingdom with that of the other nations (Gentiles). For the nations around them, like the Romans, those who are “greatest” use, and often abuse, their authority. In contrast, Jesus makes it clear that the greatest in His kingdom are the servants. Jesus Himself models this service in His own life and death. Jesus serves others around Him. We see this throughout His life, including when He washes His disciples feet in John’s Gospel. We see the important role of service in the office Jesus gives to St. Peter, when Peter is told to strengthen his brothers (Luke 22:32) and to shepherd and feed Jesus’ flock (John 21:15-17).

We too, then, must strive to be servants of others. Taking our cues from Jesus, let us live lives of service. In many ways that is what Jesus’ command to love is all about. Loving others the way Jesus desires is not about emotions or feelings, but rather about sacrificial service, desiring another’s well being. It is above all when we serve others that we love them, not simply with feelings, but we love them with our actions. As is so often the case, our actions speak louder than words. Let us continue to strive to serve others throughout our lives. Perhaps we can begin today, when we find the opportunity, let us take it to serve someone in Christ’s love.

Jeff Morrow