From the responsorial psalm: “Trust in the LORD and do good, that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security. Take delight in the LORD, and he will grant you your heart’s requests. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 17:7-10)
“When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”
In the parable from today’s Gospel, Jesus uses the relationship between a master and a servant to teach the Apostles about humility and duty. The servant, having worked all day, is expected to continue serving the master without expectation of thanks or reward. Although difficult to hear and put into action, the emphasis is on fulfilling one’s obligations, which does not call for special recognition; it is what is expected of a servant. By conveying this message to all of us, Jesus steers us away from seeking attention and praise and toward humility, service to God and others, gratitude, and faithfulness. Whatever makes possible the fulfilment of duties in a way that gives glory not to self for the shoring up of external validation but in service to God and obedience to his will—whatever that is, which God makes evident—ask God for the grace to accomplish it.
God, help me pay close attention to decisions I make throughout the day and why I make them. Am I doing things for the sake of recognition and reward, or am I quietly doing what you have called me to do in service to your holy will? Free me from the snares of self-glorification as I look to act out of love for you rather than submission to any agenda whose aim is exalting myself. “For You alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of the Father.” Saint Josaphat, pray for us!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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