32nd Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 10th November 2020 — Gospel: Lk 17,7-10
Heart’s reflection of a Servant
Our attitude towards the other is often the direct reflection of what is truly in our heart. Jesus, who is the perfect example of a servant, wants to teach us about the outlook of a servant, as one of the characteristics of discipleship. He illustrates this attitude by describing that after a long and arduous day working in the fields, a servant does not come into the master’s house and demand to be fed by the master. Rather, the servant continues the role of servitude by preparing and presenting the master with a meal. No one expects the master to sit with them and serve them a meal out of gratitude. The servant serves out of a sense of duty and considers himself to be his master’s unworthy servant. In the same way, the disciples are also God’s servants, called to work faithfully and dutifully. They should be serving God and not expect God to serve them. They should not expect praise and reward for promoting the tasks that they are obliged to perform. Indeed, Paul, in following Jesus’ footsteps, has manifested a servant’s heart in announcing the Gospel (1 Cor 9,16). The proper attitude of disciples is thankfulness for having a privilege and opportunity to serve God. Whatever reward we have for serving God is not merited, but is given because God is gracious.
