Wednesday 25th July, 2012
St James. 2 Corinthians 4:7–15. Those who sow in tears, shall reap with shouts of joy—Ps 125(126). Matthew 20:20–28.

  
Meditation: mp3 | podcast
Readings: Text | mp3 | podcast

Both of today’s readings deal with people who are wrapped up in the glamour of packaging.

The Corinthians have been mesmerised by a handsome and charismatic preacher, Apollos, and feel inclined to reject the less exciting Paul, the self-styled clay jar, plain, boring, easily broken but useful and holding the treasure of ‘the glory of God in Jesus Christ’.

The mother of James and John has a similar blindness. For her the kingdom of God is about thrones and power and preferment and her sons seem to agree. Jesus explains to them and the other apostles that ‘it will not be so among you’. The mark of leadership in his kingdom is to be one of service.

Lord, help us to lead lives of loving service to the people in our lives.