Gospel Reading: Lk 17:7-10
JESUS said to the Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’ ”
REFLECTIONS: We have done what we were obliged to do
This expresses the attitude of faithful and humble servants. True servants do not solicit a pat on their shoulders for what they do for their master. They are just carrying out their day-to-day obligations.
The passage seems to promote cruelty to our workers or servants, as if it is all right not to give them a break or to thank and affirm them. Many motivational speakers will disagree with this teaching.
Jesus makes his disciples understand their roles as servants. They are his co-workers in the mission. They should not seek recognition even if they have performed their duties. As servants, they will not have rest like their master. Their lifestyle is not that of their master. If they become at par with the master, they will stop being servants.
We pray that, as servant-leaders or church workers or lay ministers, we can say, “We have done what we were obliged to do.” It is unfortunate if, while not doing what is expected of us, we seek recognition. We want our names in the list, and we are hurt if we are not acknowledged.
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Our mission is a thankless job. If we seek recognition in the Church, we are wrongly motivated. Let us learn the right attitude of a servant.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
