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James was one of the inner circle around Jesus together with Peter and his brother John. With the two others, James was privileged to witness the raising of the daughter of Jairus and the Transfiguration of Jesus and to be with Jesus as He prayed in the garden before his Passion. Today's Gospel does not show James at his best. He and his brother, behind the backs of their companions, try to 'book' the best places in the future Kingdom for themselves. Not that their companions are much better, as their anger plainly shows. All need to hear the teaching of Jesus that real greatness consists not in having positions of privilege and power but in reaching out in care for the needs of those around them, especially those in most need.
James will, of course, in due time learn that lesson and, as the leader of the young Church in Jerusalem, will give his life when he is martyred by King Herod.
Let us, too, learn where real greatness lies, namely, in living our lives in committed service to those around us.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That all those who are in prison, and especially young people, may receive the necessary support from society to help them rediscover meaning in their lives.
Elaboration
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