A Latin spiritual journey with discerning hearts, from ashes to glory.

Day 15.

Whoever wishes to be great must be a servant.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 20 verses 26 through 28.

Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you

must be your slave. Just as the son of man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his

life as a ransom for many. Jesus challenges us today with a profound truth about greatness. It's not about power or prestige,

but about service and sacrifice. Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant.

Jesus doesn't simply teach this principle. He lives it. His life is the ultimate example

of self-giving love culminating in his death on the cross for the salvation of all. This teaching

calls us to examine our hearts. Do we seek recognition or influence? Or are we willing to humble ourselves to serve without

expectation of reward? True service comes from a heart transformed by God's love, one that seeks to

imitate Christ in putting others first. The Desert Fathers understood the power of humility

in the life of service.

Abba Isaiah said,

Let yourself be persecuted, but do not persecute others.

Let yourself be crucified, but do not crucify others.

Let yourself be wronged, but do not wrong others. Service then is not simply

an action, but a disposition of the heart, a willingness to bear burdens for the sake of others.

St. Francis of Assisi known for his radical embrace of humility and poverty,

expressed this beautifully.

It is in giving that we receive.

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