Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 25,2026

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   Matthew 20:20-28

The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, desiring to ask something of him. He said to her, “What do you desire?” She answered him, “Command that these, my two sons, sit one at your right and the other at your left in your Kingdom.” Jesus responded, “You do not know what you ask. Can you drink the chalice I am going to drink?” They responded to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom my Father has prepared it.”

When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so for you. Rather, whoever desires to be great among you must be your servant; whoever desires to be first among you must be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

Do I expect prestige and honor for following in the footsteps of my Savior?

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

In today’s gospel, Jesus contrasts clearly for us the way of the world with His Way. He teaches us that following Him is not about ambition or prestige but rather about servant leadership.

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son to us as our brother, sharing in our nature in all ways except sin, to serve as our Savior. Send your Spirit to help us absorb fully His words and His actions as “the Way and the Truth and the Life.” Grant that we may put on the apron of humility and seek to serve Him well. May our lives give You glory and bring us home to life in abundance with You. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more