Saturday, July 25, 2020 - Saint James, Apostle - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 20, 20-28 - I have chosen you from the midst of the world, that you may go and bear fruit, and that your fruit may abide, says the Lord.

Jesus calls his disciples to serve, but the mother of the sons of Zebedee thinks differently, she asks to glorify her sons by placing them to the right and left of Jesus when He will be in his kingdom. Unsurprisingly, the other disciples were angry with the two brothers. Jesus puts himself at the service of man in order to save him, also to be disciples of Jesus, humility and a sense of service are required, that is, to accept the cross.

Here we hear Jesus say, "Can you drink the cup that I am about to drink?" The true, faithful and worthy disciple is one who accepts suffering. The reason for this suffering is to make others happy. Jesus came to earth to save man and bring him to eternal happiness. Carrying the Cross is accompanied by the gift of happiness to others. This is what Jesus said: "My cup, you shall drink it". Saint James is a living example of faith for us; he gave his life for love of the Church; he also gives us an example of humility and devotion in imitating Jesus to the point of giving life. Amen!