By Steve Hall
The relationship between the story told by Jesus and this prayer from the Mass is undeniable. As a people of faith, as a people acknowledging the preeminence of God, we have done and we do what we were obliged to do: We give honor and glory and praise to God and do what we can to follow his precepts. He is the Master; we are the servants.
Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop
Wisdom 2:23-3:9
Luke 17:7-10
The situation described in today’s Gospel reading might suggest to some that Jesus approves of the manner in which this particular master conducts his household affairs. Probably not true. Instead, Jesus describes the circumstances of life at the time without passing judgment on the behavior of the individuals involved. Six words tell me that understanding is correct. “So should it be with you.”
Luke has placed this brief story with a collection of sayings by Jesus, and it is clear that he is speaking to all about their relationship to their spiritual master. In that context, it is evident that the servant has no grounds to object since his status is clear. What is true of the master-servant relationship on a strictly human level should be even more readily observed when speaking of the spiritual master (God)-human relationship.
Although it’s easy to slide over our prayer responses at Mass, we acknowledge this truth every time we participate. The exchange occurs between the priest and the congregation and takes place at the transition from the Liturgy of the Word to the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The priest says: “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.” And the congregation responds, “It is right and just.” Giving ‘Thanks’ is an expression of gratitude; it is a fundamental response to God’s love and blessings and an acknowledgement of the goodness and providence of God in one’s life. It is right and just that we always and everywhere give thanks.
The relationship between the story told by Jesus and this prayer from the Mass is undeniable. As a people of faith, as a people acknowledging the preeminence of God, we have done and we do what we were obliged to do: We give honor and glory and praise to God and do what we can to follow his precepts. He is the Master; we are the servants.
“Is he (God) grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?” No. What the servant did was right and just. His response was appropriate in the context of the relationship described. In giving Thanks, in living Thanks, all is as it should be. There is no need for God to be grateful.
And yet . . .
And yet . . .
There is the promise of reward.
“The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.”
“God tried them and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble.”