Why the Greatest Has to Serve?

Reflection Date: July 25, 2026 | Feast of Saint James, Apostle
Daily Readings: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15; Matthew 20:20-28

Children of God:
July 25 is the feast day of Saint James the Apostle.

Saint James the Apostle, also known as James the Greater, was the son of Zebedee and the brother of Saint John the Evangelist. 

Together with their father, they worked as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee until Jesus called them to become His disciples. 

James immediately left his nets and followed the Lord without hesitation. 

Along with Peter and John, he belonged to the inner circle of disciples who witnessed extraordinary moments such as the Transfiguration and Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. 

His zeal for the Lord earned him and his brother the nickname "Sons of Thunder." 

At times, his enthusiasm led him to misunderstand the true nature of Christ's mission, including the desire for positions of honor in God's Kingdom. 

Yet Jesus patiently formed him into a humble servant and faithful apostle. 

After Pentecost, James courageously preached the Gospel despite growing persecution. 

He became the first of the Twelve Apostles to suffer martyrdom when King Herod Agrippa ordered his execution by the sword around the year 44. 

In the gospel story of Matthew, Jesus transformed James' understanding of greatness by teaching that true leadership is expressed through humble service rather than privilege.

What are our inspirations for today?

First, greatness begins with a servant's heart.

The mother of James and John approached Jesus with a request that her sons might sit at His right and left in His Kingdom. 

This request reflected a common human desire for honor, influence, and recognition. 

Jesus did not condemn their ambition, but He redirected it toward a deeper understanding of greatness by asking whether they were willing to drink His cup of suffering.

Many people today naturally desire success, promotion, and appreciation. 

These aspirations are not wrong in themselves. 

However, Jesus reminded His disciples that true greatness is never measured by titles or privileges but by the willingness to serve others with humility and generosity.

Look at Saint James: the disciple who once sought a place of honor became an apostle willing to give his very life for Christ. 

His martyrdom revealed that genuine leadership is proven not by authority but by sacrificial love.

Greatness begins with a servant's heart.

Second, serving others makes us more like Christ.

When the other disciples became indignant with James and John, Jesus gathered them together and explained that worldly rulers often exercised power by dominating others. 

He then declared that among His followers, whoever desired to be great must become the servant of all. 

Finally, Jesus presented Himself as the perfect example: "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).

Every day presents opportunities to live this teaching. 

Parents quietly sacrifice for their children. 

Teachers patiently guide their students. 

Workers honestly fulfill their responsibilities. 

Volunteers generously help those in need. 

These ordinary acts of service reflect the heart of Christ more than any public recognition.

Saint James followed the example of his Master until the very end. 

His faithful service culminated in martyrdom, showing that love always demands sacrifice. 

We are called to imitate Christ by serving with joy, expecting no reward except the privilege of loving as He loved.

Serving others makes us more like Christ.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Do I seek recognition more than opportunities to serve? 

How do I use my talents and responsibilities for the good of others? In what concrete way can I imitate Christ's humble service today?

Children of God: 
Jesus turned the world's understanding of greatness upside down. 

He showed that the highest place belongs not to those who demand attention but to those who quietly serve others. 

The life of Saint James reminds us that discipleship is a lifelong process of conversion. 

We may never become famous, but we can become faithful. 

May we never measure success by applause but by our willingness to serve.