I need to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly before my God.

 
Reading: So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” Luke 17:10.
 
Good morning, happy Tuesday, and many blessings my dear family. Remember that we have bilingual mass, in person, today at the San Romero Chapel at 1:00 pm.
 
The Gospel for today (Luke 17:7-10) is an interesting one.  It begins with Jesus saying to his Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who just came in from plowing or tending the sheep: ‘Come and dine with us.  You have worked hard today.’  Would you rather not say to the servant: ‘Come, put on your apron and bring me my meal.’”   Notice: the master completely ignores the fact that the servant had worked for many hours that day and most likely the servant also was hungry.
 
Jesus then asks his Apostles the question: “Is the master grateful to the servant for bringing him his meal?”  Most likely, this is not the case.  In the master’s eyes, the servant was simply doing the job he was being paid for.  Then Jesus says to the Apostles: “So should it be with you.  When you have done what was commanded of you, say: ‘We simply are lowly servants.  We were only doing what we were obliged to do!’” We also are the “servants” of Jesus.  As servants, Jesus expects us to do the work well that is our responsibility.  He also expects us to do it in a loving manner.   However, in this parable, there is no reward for the servant.  And we should not expect a “reward” from Jesus to fulfill our responsibilities.  Rather, Jesus simply expects us to “go about our business.”
 
Jesus is using an example from everyday to communicate to his disciples that his way of leading is totally different from the leadership of the world. Worldly leaders can use their influence unjustly and feel entitled to rewards and privileges simply because of their position. The way of Jesus suggests that serving others is a privilege in itself and no reward is necessary.
 
I reflect on Jesus’ teaching. How do I find it? Does it resonate with me or do I find it hard to apply? When I am serving others do I seek rewards? I ask Jesus to teach me how to serve.
The question for us may be: are we content to do what we must do? Many of the activities and responsibilities of daily life are mundane and boring activities and chores. Yet, if we do our work well and in a pleasant manner, we can be satisfied that we have been responsible servants. Often, the work we do may never be acknowledged by anyone.  However, if we have worked hard and done our job well, we will have the satisfaction of having been a “good and faithful servant.”  What more can we ask? Jesus will recognize that we have been a faithful and responsible servant.  And Jesus will reward us! Is this enough for us?
 
Today, let me realize that, in the words of the Prophet Micah, all that is necessary is ‘to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly before my God’.
 
Blessings,
 
Fr. Luis+