Always be a fountain, not a drain!

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 20:17–28), Jesus speaks about His coming suffering, rejection, and death. Yet immediately after this solemn prediction, the mother of James and John approaches Him with a request for positions of honor. While Jesus is speaking about sacrifice, they are thinking about status. While He is pouring Himself out, they are seeking to be filled up with glory. This contrast reveals something important about the human heart. We often want to receive more than we are willing to give. We want recognition without sacrifice, greatness without service. In other words, we risk becoming drains—always drawing attention, praise, comfort, and power toward ourselves. But Jesus overturns this mentality. He says, “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant… The Son of Man did not come 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 how many people serve you; it is about how many people you serve. True leadership is not about control; it is about self-gift. A drain takes and empties others. A fountain receives from a hidden source and gives life to everyone around it. Jesus is the perfect fountain. He receives everything from the Father and pours everything out for us, even His very life. On the Cross, He does not drain humanity; He redeems it. We see the opposite spirit in the first reading. Jeremiah stands before God interceding for the very people who plot against him. Instead of draining them with bitterness or revenge, he tries to be a fountain of mercy and prayer. Though repaid with evil, he continues to give good. That is Christ-like love. During this Lenten season, the Lord invites us to examine ourselves. In our families, our parish, our workplaces, are we drains or fountains? Do we complain more than we contribute? Do we demand more than we offer? Do we seek positions, or do we seek opportunities to serve? To be a fountain, we must remain connected to the Source. Psalm 31 reminds us: “Into your hands I commend my spirit.” Only when we place our lives in God’s hands can we have the grace to give ourselves generously to others. Jesus’ path to glory passed through service and suffering. If we drink His chalice—if we embrace humble service—we will share in His resurrection. The world says, “Promote yourself.” Christ says, “Empty yourself.” The world says, “Be first.” Christ says, “Be a servant.”