Feast of Saint James, Apostle

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, on this Feast of Saint James the Apostle, our readings speak to us of a profound paradox: strength in weakness, and true greatness in humble service. In our first reading from Second Corinthians, Saint Paul gives us these powerful words: “We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.” What a striking image! We are but fragile clay pots, yet we carry within us the immeasurable treasure of God’s grace, God’s very life. And because of this, Paul says, we are “afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Think about that for a moment: the treasure is not *us*, but God *in* us. It means that even in our fragility, even when we feel broken, God’s power can shine through. It means that even when we are struck down, we are not destroyed, because the life of Jesus is at work within us.

And then, in our Gospel, we see the mother of James and John approaching Jesus with a request for high places in His Kingdom. She asks, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” It’s a very human request, isn't it? To desire prominence, to want the best for our loved ones. But Jesus gently corrects this worldly view of greatness. He says, “You do not know what you are asking.” He then tells His disciples, “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.” True greatness, Jesus teaches, is found not in power or position, but in humble, sacrificial service.

Six weeks ago, our dear Benjamin Vo entered into eternal life. We remember Ben today, a young man whose determined spirit was so evident in his life. His family tells us that he believed that 'trying is all that matters.' Whether on the badminton court or pushing through basketball tryouts, he wasn't afraid to work hard, to give his all. That determined spirit, that refusal to give up, even when things were difficult, was a beautiful reflection of a soul that understood the value of effort and perseverance. He carried a gentle strength, a quiet resolve, in his own 'earthen vessel.'

Benjamin’s life, though brief, manifested the life of Jesus in its own way – through his gentle spirit, his kindness, and his determination. For his parents, Alan and Thao, for his brother Ryan, and for all his aunts, uncles, and loved ones, the grief is immense. It is natural to feel afflicted, perplexed, struck down by sorrow. But Saint Paul reminds us that we are “not driven to despair,” “not abandoned,” “not destroyed.” Why? Because we hold this treasure of God’s love within us. The surpassing power is of God, not from us. And He is here to serve you, to carry your burdens, to give you strength.

To Alan and Thao, to Ryan, and to all who grieve: Jesus sees your tears. He knows your longing. And He reminds us that even in our weakness, His power is made perfect. To every family carrying a heavy cross, to every child who is suffering, whether you are here with us or tuning in from afar: God welcomes you, sees you, and holds you. May we find strength in this truth, trusting that Benjamin now rests in the eternal embrace of the Servant King, interceding for us all, his determined and gentle spirit shining brightly in the light of Christ.