Readings: Jeremiah 18:18-20; Psalm 31; Matthew 20:17-28
In our Lenten journey, one of the sins we are called to battle against is selfishness. Selfishness is the tendency or attitude of being concerned about one’s interests above the interests of others. Sometimes it manifests itself in seeking what one wants and not minding how this affects others, especially negatively.
St. Paul tells us in Philippians 2:3-4, that we should do nothing out of selfishness or vainglory but should consider the interests and wellbeing of others, even before our own.
In Galatians 5:19-21, he mentioned selfishness as one of the works of the flesh, one of those things that do not glorify God in us.
This is what our fasting, abstinence, and mortification during this period are aimed at. They are to help us to subdue the flesh, to battle our selfishness, to give priority to our souls and the interests and wellbeing of others.
In the Gospel of today, we see this tendency in the request of James and John and their mother, putting their own interests above those of the other disciples. It also manifested itself in the reaction of the other disciples.
Jesus teaches us today that greatness in the sight of God does not consist of being above others, of lording over others or being better than others. It is not in being served by others but in serving others and helping others. It is not in living for the self but in sacrificing for others to be happy, hopeful, alive and joyful.
Lord Jesus, root out of me every trait of selfishness and pride. May I obtain true greatness that comes from humility and selfless service to others.
Sermon preached by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on March 16, 2023