Greatness Begins on Your Knees

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today, on the Feast of St. James the Apostle, the Gospel begins with an awkward moment. The mother of James and John comes to Jesus with a bold request. She wants her two sons to have the best seats in heaven – one at His right and one at His left. The other disciples become upset, probably not because the request was wrong, but because they wished they had asked first! It reminds us that even the apostles, those closest to Jesus, were still learning what it really meant to follow Him. Like them, we often think greatness means being recognised, respected, or placed above others.

Jesus does not scold them for wanting greatness. Instead, He teaches them a new definition of it. He says, “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.” In the Kingdom of God, greatness is not measured by how many people serve you, but by how willing you are to serve others. The world says, “Climb higher.” Jesus says, “Go lower.” The world says, “Make a name for yourself.” Jesus says, “Give yourself away.” That is the kind of greatness Jesus lived, and it is the kind He invites us to live.

Then Jesus asks James and John a serious question: “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” They quickly answer, “We can.” They did not fully understand what that cup meant. The cup was not a cup of honour; it was the cup of suffering, sacrifice, and complete love. St. James would later understand this. He became the first of the apostles to give his life for Christ. His desire for glory was transformed into the courage to lay down his life.

This Gospel teaches us something important about discipleship. We cannot call Jesus “Lord” if we refuse to imitate His way of loving. Every day, we have opportunities to serve: at home, at work, in our churches, or simply by listening to someone who needs encouragement. These acts may seem small, but in God’s eyes, they are signs of true greatness. Holiness is not found only in extraordinary miracles. More often, it is found in ordinary acts of love done faithfully and without seeking praise.

As we celebrate St. James today, perhaps Jesus asks each of us the same question: “Can you drink My cup?” Maybe for us, that cup means forgiving someone, being patient with our family, carrying a hidden burden with faith, or choosing humility when our pride wants recognition. Whatever our cup may be, we do not drink it alone. Christ drinks it with us, and through it, He shapes us into true disciples. The road to greatness always passes through humble service, because the greatest person who ever lived knelt down to wash His disciples’ feet.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You showed us that true greatness is found in humble service and generous love. Help us to stop seeking recognition and instead seek opportunities to serve. Give us the courage to drink the cup You place before us each day, trusting that You will never leave us alone. Through the example of St. James, teach us to follow You with faithful hearts, so that our lives may reflect Your love and lead others closer to You. Amen.

– Homily by Rev Fr Patrick Agbeko