We are challenged to adopt a servant’s heart, emphasizing that fulfilling our duties as servants of God is not a relationship where gratitude is expected. Instead, it is a reflection of our duty and obedience to His divine will.
Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop
Wisdom 2:23-3:9
Luke 17:7-10
This passage from the Book of Wisdom in our first reading begins by acknowledging God’s original intention in creating humanity: to be imperishable and in His image, for all eternity. However, Original sin, driven by the devil’s envy and temptation, introduced death into the world, affecting those who are in his possession.
The following verses, from today’s reading, provide a brief outline of God’s promise revealed throughout Scripture, contrasting our fate if we remain among the righteous with our secure position in God's hands, as viewed by the foolish. Despite being “Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed.” The apparent demise of the righteous, viewed by the foolish as affliction and destruction, does reveal the righteous are at peace, “Because grace and mercy are with His holy ones, and His care is with His elect.” Wow! What a promise!
The Gospel reading is an interesting one. It begins with Jesus saying to his Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who just came in from plowing or tending the sheep: ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table? Would he rather not say to him, Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.” The master completely ignores the fact that the servant had worked for many hours that day and was also hungry. This doesn’t sound very Christ-like, or does it?
In Matthew (20:26b-28) Jesus states, “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 live as a ransom for many.”
This emphasizes the importance of humility and servanthood, reflecting Jesus’ mission to serve others rather than seeking personal glory, and to encourage the Apostles and us to adopt a life of serving others.
We are challenged to adopt a servant’s heart, emphasizing that fulfilling our duties as servants of God is not a relationship where gratitude is expected. Instead, it is a reflection of our duty and obedience to His divine will.
Jesus wants us to understand that we, as His followers, are like the servants in the parable. We are called to serve God and others faithfully, not focusing on the recognition we might receive, but rather fulfilling our responsibilities. This is a humble reminder that our service is an expectation. God desires genuine service, where the act itself is an offering of love and devotion, rather than an action seeking something in return. This teaching is a call to humility. Jesus reminds us that true service often goes unnoticed. We serve not to be recognized, but because it is what we are called to do. Jesus emphasizes that our attitude should be one of humility, acknowledging that we are merely fulfilling our duties as followers of Christ.
I was a Volunteer Firefighter for 20 years. I remember how hard it was to answer the phone in the middle of the night to be called out to fight a fire or help with a serious accident. I suppose those servants in today’s Gospel felt somewhat the same way, “I am tired, I don’t want to cook and wait on my Master!” I made that commitment when I volunteered; the servants were committed to their Master. In my situation, the Adrenaline would kick in as I hurried to the scene. For the servant, they mustered up the energy to get the job done, hopefully with love, respect, and a good attitude, humbly fulfilling their responsibilities.
In researching humility, I came across paragraph 2559 in the Catholic Catechism, which addresses the connection between humility and prayer.
“Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.”1 But when we pray, do we speak from the height of our pride and will, or “out of the depths” of a humble and contrite heart?2 He who humbles himself will be exalted;3 humility is the foundation of prayer, Only when we humbly acknowledge that “we do not know how to pray as we ought,”4 are we ready to receive freely the gift of prayer. 5
That brings us to the Responsorial Psalm, in which David demonstrates humility, has a good attitude, and praises God for his mercy and love:
“I will bless the Lord at all times.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
And from all their distress he rescues them.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
And those who are crushed in spirit he saves.”
And the Alleluia today, from the Gospel of John, offers a promise of God’s love:
Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him.
Gyaviira Luwaga wrote a Servant’s Prayer that is a fitting close for today’s reflection:
“Everlasting Father, you fashioned us in your image to reflect your mercy and fulfill the role of devoted servants. As I approach you today, enlighten my vision to recognize that serving you is not a matter of merit but a responsibility born out of your boundless love and kindness. Amidst my vulnerabilities and simplicity, reshape my understanding to live exclusively for you — to desire you, emulate you, and serve you in all aspects.
Ignite afresh this relationship steeped in love and faithfulness so that, in my life, vocation, community, existence, and family, I may stand as a testament to living in divine truth with complete surrender and love. I offer this prayer through Christ, my Lord. Amen”
I have one question: “"Are you proud of your humility?”
1.St. John Damascene, Defide orth. 3,24:PG 94,1089C.
2.Ps 130:1.
3.Cf. Lk 18:9-14.
4.Rom 8:26.
5.St. Augustine, Sermo 56,6,9:PL 38,381.