THE WORD
Wis 2: 23–3: 9 / Lk 17: 7–10
Jesus said to his 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 OTHER WORDS
The Apostles have a mandate from the Lord. Prior to this passage, they asked Jesus to increase their faith. But in response Jesus said that if one has faith the size of a mustard seed, that person can even tell a mulberry tree to get uprooted and be replanted in the sea. Mulberry trees are big and have roots deeply set underground. What the Lord means is that apostles are persons with a mission and their words have power. Faith is not only about believing in God; it is believing also that one has been mandated by God — that God believes in that person!
Servants who work in the fields and have to work, too, inside the house have got to be someone who has determination to be of service to one’s master; and this is dedication. Our passage speaks of being able to deliver, to accomplish what is expected. That alone is a reward.
I think of the millions of parents who work hard to give their children the dignity of gaining wisdom in school and one day having opportunities to walk tall because of their educational achievements. The dedication of these parents is priceless. That is not just service, it is a vocation well lived!
One thing I have discovered: Dedicated parents, who do not expect any return from their children, can be the happier parents. For there are cases of children who do not repay, and even become ungrateful — and that can lead to broken-heartedness. The experience of a grateful return is a bonus! However, we have to remember that Jesus also once said: “If your child asks for a fish, you do not give a serpent. If your child asks for bread, you do not offer a stone. If evil persons can care for their own child, how much more can God care. God is a loving Father.”
Expect no return, but be dedicated and believe not only in God but also in yourself, because God believes in us. One who is happy in one’s vocation and work accomplishes a lot in life. Life may not be easy, but this is why we participate in the Eucharist — to be strengthened. We are made for service because only in this way can we bring the best out of us.
- Bernard Espiritu, SVD (New Zealand)
The Word in other words 2015
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
