It might not be common here, but at home in East Africa, priests find themselves in a position that require them to develop parishes, through construction of churches, schools, medical facilities. And some have been very successful at it, and eventually some lean into believing that without them nothing would have happened so to say they are indispensable. They demand respect and honor from others. “I built this,” “I made this”, becoming a slogan. It is ok to be proud of our work and achievements, but it is another thing to wear those accomplishments on your sleeves.
Unworthy Servants
Today's gospel comes up with a humbling teaching. We are unworthy servants; in whatever capacity we stand, we have only done what our duty is. In carrying out God’s mission we must invest ourselves fully regardless of the cost. We are encouraged to bring all our best into every ministry placed before us.
Yet, at the end of it all, it is important to acknowledge the fact that, we can never put God in debt or make the claim that he owes us something. We are just simple and humble servants of God. Greatness is not blowing one’s trumpet but in serving others selflessly.
Do So for the Glory of God
There is a prayer we pray before the meal I think it comes from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians; "Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” In the gospel today Jesus provides an illustration for his disciples, the nature of the relationship between a master and servant or slave.
For the slave, his work is completed when he finishes everything he ought to do. A servant’s duty, what he or she ought to do, considering his role and considering the master’s position, is not a matter of debate. He is called to say yes to the master’s directive and even carries it out. So, also when we have done all that we were asked to accomplish we ought to say it is all for the glory of God.
Doing What We Should
Our relationship with God is such that, God cannot gain or be one who benefits by our services and therefore cannot be made a debtor by them.
We cannot equate our obedience to God with going above and beyond for God. We are only unworthy servants meant to carry out what we were asked to do. God is the creator; he doesn’t exist for us. We need Him, He doesn't need us. Whatever we do, we do it for his glory.
When we set about doing any ministry in the different roles we have, let it be because we want to give glory. John Piper writes, in his article on Greatness, Humility, Servanthood, “that humility agrees and is glad that God gets all the credit for choosing us and calling us according to his purposes, not our merit” Dear friends let us pray for the grace we need so as to able in humility to get down low and lift others up, to seek to attend to the needs of those around us not just for our sake but for the greater glory of God.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Fulgens's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
