Matthew 20: 17-28

Introductory Prayer:
Lord, though I cannot see you with my eyes, I believe you are present to me now, in my innermost being, and that you know me far better than I know myself. I also know that you love me much more than I love my own self. Thank you for loving and watching over me, though I don't deserve your love. In return, I offer you my sorrow for my sins and my hopes to love you more each day.

Petition:
Lord, wean me from dependence on human honors and approval.

1. Seeking the Limelight:
James and John rub shoulders with that temptation the devil puts before every apostle: "What's in it for me, Lord?" We start out our apostolic work with purity of intention, but if we are careless, it soon becomes purely attention. That is why we should always be willing to submit our work to the approval of the proper ecclesiastical authorities. Christ steered clear from all power grabs and squabbles. John would alert Christ, Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us. Christ simply replied, "Do not prevent him … for whoever is not against us is for us" (Mark 9:38-9).

2. Christ is Never Discouraged:
Christ has just told his apostles of his passion, and it weighs heavily on his heart. Drowning in their own fascination for recognition, however, they are completely oblivious to Christ's sufferings. He doesn't let himself get discouraged. Rather, he gently helps them to look beyond themselves to follow his lead of self-giving to the point of death.

3. Putting Others First:
Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you (John 6:27). Human recognition is passing; it doesn't even last a lifetime. Even in heaven human recognition will be useless—our eyes will be fixed on God, not on each other or ourselves. However, we do know by faith that God will reward us in heaven according to our merits. He will exalt us for serving others, especially when we bring others to love and serve him. Am I convinced of this? What ephemeral honors am I hankering after? How can I put Christ and serving him first in my life?

Conversation with Christ:
Dear Jesus, too often I compare myself with others. It's easy
for me to find or imagine my superiority. I ignore you and your
great goodness. I forget that everything I have comes from you
and that I can't claim credit for any of my qualities and virtues.
Help me to keep this truth in mind so I may have an attitude
 of genuine humility in my heart.

Resolution:
I will pray a special prayer for humility every day this week.