Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 17:7-10

Jesus said to the Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus’ message is all about commitment. How many times have you heard someone say it is about giving 110 percent. Today’s message is about 110%; about doing more than what we think is expected. Jesus provides an image which we are to follow. When we are done plowing the fields, should we expect to sit at the table of God. No. We must be willing to give everything we have to God because he has given everything to us. It’s when we think that God owes us something or that we expect something in return for our labors that we fall short. There is nothing we should expect in return for our labors. If we are done plowing the field, then we should prepare a meal for him. When we are done preparing a meal for him, then we should prepare his bed.  We can never repay God for what He has given us. Man can never satisfy his debt no matter what service he provides. Therefore, we should provide service to our Lord with only the satisfaction that we can provide service to him. This is selfless and unconditional love to God. God honors the servant who is faithful and generous. So how do we honor God and serve him relentlessly – by serving our fellow man relentlessly.  We are called to be generous with our gifts and our talents and provide for those who are in need.  It is through our unending commitment to our fellow man that we will find the true glory given to God.  Our generosity is then expressed as God working through us for others.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, fill my hear t and soul with the desire to serve you.

Fill me with gratitude and generosity.

Make me a servant of your love and compassion.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon