Lenten Reflection Day 13 ~ Wednesday Second Week of Lent:

Opening prayer:

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and Confiteor (see Day 1).

Scripture Reading (Matthew 20:25–28):

“Jesus called them to Him and said: You know that the princes of the Gentiles lord it over them… It shall not be so among you: but whoever will be the greater among you, let him be your minister. And whoever will be first among you, shall be your servant. Even as the Son of Man is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus corrects the ambition of the apostles. James and John had asked for prominent seats in His kingdom, but Christ turns their eyes to a higher path: the path of humility, service, and sacrifice. Lent, too, invites us to descend from the heights of pride to the valley of humility where grace flows most freely.

“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” This is not simply a recommendation; it is the law of Christian greatness. Holiness does not lie in status, titles, or impressive works, but in love, especially love that stoops to serve others in hidden, humble ways. The saints understood this well. St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s “little way” was built entirely upon this Gospel truth: to become small and serve with joy.

Jesus Himself is the model. Though He is the eternal Son of God, He “came not to be served but to serve.” He washed the feet of His disciples. He touched the unclean. He ate with sinners. He died for us. Every act of His earthly life was service rooted in love. And in this passage, He reveals the highest form of service: to “give His life as a ransom for many.” This is the Cross, the culmination of divine charity and the source of our salvation.

Lent teaches us to follow this path. We fast to become freer to serve others. We give alms to relieve the burdens of the poor. We deny ourselves not to feel holy, but to grow in love. Perhaps the most challenging aspect is serving cheerfully those in our own households—doing chores without complaint, responding with patience, or putting someone else’s needs before our own. These hidden sacrifices are deeply pleasing to God.

Today, ask: Who is God calling me to serve, especially when it’s inconvenient or thankless? Could I do one act of secret charity? Could I bear a wrong without defending myself? Could I pray for someone I find difficult to love? In such small crucifixions of ego, we imitate the Servant-King.

Saintly Insight:

“Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying. The humble man sees things as they are. He sees that all the good he has comes from God, and so he is not puffed up. He bows low that God may lift him high.” ~ St. Vincent de Paul

Closing Prayers:

V: O Lord, hear my prayer.

R: And let my cry come unto Thee.

V: Let us bless the Lord.

R: Thanks be to God.

V: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

R: Amen.