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| "Saint James Major" -- by James Tisso |
FIRST
READING: 2
Corinthians 4: 7 -
15
7
However, we carry this treasure in vessels of clay, so that this
all-surpassing power may not be seen as ours but as God's.
8
Trials of every sort come to us, but we are not discouraged.
9
We are left without answer, but do not despair; persecuted but not
abandoned, knocked down but not crushed.
10
At any moment we carry in our person the death of Jesus, so that the
life of Jesus may also be manifested in us.
11
For we, the living, are given up continually to death for the sake of
Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may appear in our mortal existence.
12
And as death is at work in us, life comes to you.
13
We have received the same spirit of faith referred to in Scripture
that says: I believed and so I spoke. We also believe and so we
speak.
14
We know that He who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with
Jesus and bring us, with you, into his presence.
15
Finally, everything is for your good, so that grace will come more
abundantly upon you and great will be the thanksgiving for the glory
of God.
PSALM:
Psalms 126:
1 - 6
1
When the Lord brought the exiles back to Zion, we were like those
moving in a dream.
2
Then our mouths were filled with laughter, and our tongues with songs
of joy. Among the nations it was said, "The Lord has done great
things for them."
3
The Lord had done great things for us, and we were glad indeed.
4
Bring back our exiles, O Lord, like fresh streams in the desert.
5
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs and shouts of joy.
6
They went forth weeping, bearing the seeds for sowing, they will come
home with joyful shouts, bringing their harvested sheaves.
GOSPEL:
Matthew 20:
20 - 28
20
Then the mother of James and John came to Jesus with her sons, and
she knelt down to ask a favor.
21
Jesus said to her, "What do you want?" And she answered,
"Here you have my two sons. Grant that they may sit, one at your
right and one at your left, when you are in your kingdom."
22
Jesus said to the brothers, "You do not know what you are
asking. Can you drink the cup that I am about to drink?" They
answered, "We can."
23
Jesus replied, "You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my
right or at my left is not for me to grant. That will be for those
for whom the Father has prepared it."
24
The other ten heard all this and were angry with the two brothers.
25
Then Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the
rulers of the nations act as tyrants, and the powerful oppress them.
26
It shall not be so among you; whoever wants to be more important in
your group shall make himself your servant.
27
And if you want to be first make yourself the servant of all.
28
Be like the Son of Man who has come, not to be served but to serve
and to give his life to redeem many."
