Homily to You

Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent – 4 March 2026
First Reading: Jeremiah 18:18–20
Gospel: Matthew 20:17–28




Introduction

My dear friend, today I speak to you personally.

Not to a crowd. Not to a congregation. Just to you.

Have you ever tried to do something good and then—boom!—you are misunderstood, criticized, or even attacked? You try to improve, and someone says, “Who do you think you are?”

Welcome to the experience of prophets… and of Jesus Himself.

Today’s readings remind us: doing God’s will does not always come with applause. Sometimes it comes with opposition.

Life Story

A man once decided he would wake up early every morning to pray and improve his spiritual life. The first day, he woke up at 5:00 a.m. and felt very holy.

The second day, he overslept and woke up at 8:30. He said, “Lord, You know my heart.”

The third day, he turned off the alarm in his sleep and said later, “Even Jesus rested.”

Sometimes when we try to grow spiritually, resistance appears—sometimes from others, sometimes from inside ourselves!

The Word

1. Jeremiah 18:18–20

Jeremiah is being attacked. People are plotting against him:

“Let us denounce him… let us strike him with the tongue.”

He did nothing wrong. He spoke God’s truth. Yet they repay good with evil.

Jeremiah even cries out to God:
“Must good be repaid with evil?”

Have you ever felt that way?

This reading shows us something powerful: faithfulness does not guarantee popularity. Obedience to God may provoke resistance.

2. Matthew 20:17–28

Jesus predicts His Passion for the third time. He clearly explains: He will suffer, be condemned, mocked, crucified.

And immediately after that—James and John’s mother asks for positions of power!

While Jesus speaks of sacrifice, they are thinking of status.

Jesus then gives the key teaching:

“Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant… the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Greatness in the Kingdom of God is not about position. It is about service.

Power is not dominance. It is self-giving love.

3 Practical Lessons for You Today

1. Do good even if misunderstood.

Like Jeremiah, you may face criticism. Do not stop doing what is right. God sees what others may not.

2. Check your motives.

Are you serving to be noticed? Or serving because you love? True greatness is hidden service.

3. Embrace the cross before the crown.

Jesus shows us the pattern: suffering before glory. If your path feels heavy right now, it may be shaping you for something greater.

Inspirational Quote

“True greatness is not measured by how many serve you, but by how many you choose to serve.”

Conclusion

My friend, today God may be inviting you to a deeper humility.

Not the humiliation of being put down—but the humility of choosing love over pride.

If you are misunderstood, stay faithful.
If you are overlooked, stay humble.
If you are struggling, stay close to Christ.

The cross is not the end of the story. Resurrection always follows.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You were rejected, misunderstood, and mocked—
yet You continued to love.

Give me the strength to serve without seeking recognition.
Help me to remain faithful when I face criticism.
Purify my motives.
Teach me humility.
Shape my heart to be like Yours.

May I choose service over status,
love over pride,
and trust over fear.

Amen.

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