Homily on Matthew 20:20-28: Transformation from Master to Servant (25-7-25)

A reflection on Matthew 20:20-28:

The transformative journey of James from a Master to Servant and

Echoing God’s Love…

Praise be to Jesus Christ

          It was an occasion of a lecture. The two eminent scientists Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Dr. Kasturirangan was invited for the function. Dr. Kalam dressed in a simple attire stepped out of the car first and opened the door for his colleague Dr. Kasturirangan. The authorities welcomed Dr. Kasturirangan assuming that he was the chief guest and the other was the driver. Dr. Kalam stood aside calmly without correcting anybody. Going through the documents, the organizers realized their mistake that the assumed driver was the Key-note speaker and the former head of India’s missile program. Without any disgust or fuss Dr. Kalam delivered a beautiful speech conveying a lesson far deeper than any scientific theory-true greatness lies in simplicity and humility,

            In today’s Gospel, Jesus advocates for the great virtue of humility over pride and egoism. As the Church celebrates the feast of St. James the Greater it also reminds us about the transformative journey of this apostle. We listen to the request of James’s mother Salome to Jesus for granting seats for her two sons at right and left of Him in the Kingdom. We encounter a mother who seeks for the materialistic positions in this earth. This created a sense of grudge among the disciples also. James and his brother were called by Jesus at a sea shore promising them to be sent out to fish for people. (Mt.4/19). But the weakness conquered them even after being in the very closer inner circle of Jesus. Jesus commended “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them” (Mt.20/25). Jesus emphasized on the humbleness each disciple should possess. “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave  just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”. (Mt.20/26-28). His words did not become futile; James became the first martyr burning with Love and Humility. How this Transformation from Master to Servant took place?

           Even James is represented as a half-brother of Jesus, initially he was not a believer. He was very passionate and zealous by nature which gave him the title ‘Son of Thunder’. This indicates his leadership quality in a human lens. Once he asked Jesus “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them” (Lk.9/54). Rather than Spirit he acted out of emotions. James was the blessed person to be present at the raising of Jairus’ daughter, transfiguration, and agony at Gethsemane. But his eyes searched for worldly glory, his ears seek praises, his heart admired appreciations…

            But Holy Spirit transformed James into a zealous Servant of Jesus. James accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour as He appeared to him after resurrection. His journey of faith began. James held prominent position in early Christian Communities in Jerusalem. Here, he was not playing a master role who grabbed positions but was a faithful servant spreading God’s Love. He does not follow material possessions but aimed at spiritual virtues. He does not snatch for roles and authority but aspired a saintly life. He does not desire for an earthly life but targeted the Heavenly kingdom.

          As history states, James the Great, was the first apostle to be Martyred. He was executed by King Herod Agrippa around A.D. 44. Even Jesus did not grant him right or left seat, James was granted a seat in Heaven before all other disciples. Heavenly father rewarded the wish in a different way. This was an award for his faithful and ardent life for God. As the Bible cites:” For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Lk.14/11).

            Let us introspect ourselves that are we held in our pride, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, lust and gluttony? But there is a room for improvement. St. James was transformed from a sceptic to believer, emotional to gentle, master to servant. That same spirit will convert as from our human natures to divine. St. James advices us to turn to Jesus without fail. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you”(James 1/5) and he advices us to be strong in our trials “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1/ 2).Let us pray to Jesus through the intercession of St. James…

Prayer: Oh Jesus, Make me Your servant…