March 4, 2026 // Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent // Optional Memorial of Saint Casimir
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28
Reflect on the Word
Birds warbled their same familiar, neighborhood song as my sister and I swung open the squeaky back door, breathless from hours of playing pioneer and picking berries in the yard. Our weekend afternoons often looked like this, our imaginations running wild as we plotted games we could fill our time with. Our mother often called out to us to remind us of our chores, knowing we had likely become lost in our play. My little sister would spring up with delight, as if pulled by the opportunity to help, while I often grumbled under my breath, trudging up the stairs toward the incessantly buzzing washing machine, wondering, Why does she like doing chores?
Years later, as I prayed with Jesus’ humble words from today’s Gospel, “[T]he Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:27), I realized that Jesus Himself likely split wood with Saint Joseph and heeded His mother’s call around the house. Like any child, the proposition of play constantly tugged at His arm, but Jesus always prioritized obedience. He continued to serve into adolescence and adulthood, washing the feet of His disciples and ever so patiently addressing each of their misunderstandings and doubts. This was His delight. He arose every morning, pulled by the opportunity to help His people whom He had finally drawn so close to, walking amongst them, hearing the echoes of their laughter, and feeling the firm shake of their hands. He served because His Sacred Heart brimmed with love, a love which meant ultimately giving Himself for us entirely in Jerusalem.
We may think we are worlds separated from childhood, but as adults, we are not much different. New whims and opportunities tug at our arms daily, but we must not forget the example of our Lord. His kingdom is a different kingdom, one where the King serves His people. Let us become like our King, and willingly drink the chalice of pouring our lives out in love.
Relate to the Lord // How can you spring up in obedience to Jesus—to love—today?
Olivia Jackson, known by her family and friends as Liv, recently graduated from the University of Iowa College of Education. She now happily lives and works in Des Moines, Iowa as a third grade teacher at a catholic grade school. She enjoys anything outdoorsy, creative, or active and can often be found reading in a hammock, scrapbooking with music and a snack, or enjoying a fun workout class. Olivia is a social butterfly and loves being surrounded by and meeting Christ in her family, friends, co-workers, and students!
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