Me First!

Today is the Feast of Saint James the Apostle

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Responsorial Psalm: 126
Gospel: Matthew 20:20-28

Throughout my work history I have been blessed to work with many summer camp and child care programs. One of the things that I constantly dealt with in all of these programs was the "me first" mentality. It was always apparent, no matter what we were lining up for, there was always arguments and fights in the lines amongst the kids of who was first. Many times because the two kids could not get along, I would send them both to the back of the line. Whenever there was a cookout or a snack, kids would seem to lose all sense of control in order to get their share before someone else. This is unfortunately a very common trait amongst kids, this is why it is important to model and teach good virtues such as love and patience. Unfortunately many kids carry this "me first" mentality into adulthood. I believe that this mentality is most apparent during Christmas time, people lined up at stores in order to get to an item or a big sale first. It is during these moments of the "me first" attitude that we lose focus of what our attitude should be, which is really "Christ first."
In the gospel today we see the "me first" attitude in effect. The mother of the sons of Zebedee is asking Jesus to place them high up in His kingdom, "one at your right and the other at your left." So what does Jesus do? He uses this as an opportunity to teach the behavior of a true follower of Jesus. His words are a powerful reminder of the mentality that we should keep every moment of our lives: "Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall 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."
Want to be great? Do the opposite of what the world says and give up your place in line. Want to be like Jesus, then go out and serve, not be served. "Christ First."

Heavenly Father, we thank you always for the life that you have called us to. We thank you for the life and example of Saint James the Apostle. We pray for the strength and courage to surrender our wants and desires to you and to go out and serve you completely. Let us not think about ourselves first, but put the needs of others first instead. Lord we pray for all those who are hurting and need your healing touch Lord. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.