Attitude of a Servant

Readings for Tuesday November 10, 2009

Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the Church

First Reading: Wisdom 2:23-3:9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34
Gospel: 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.’” (Lk 17:7-10)

Today Jesus tells us about the attitude of a servant. There is a saying that says: "your attitude is the aroma of your heart. If your attitude stinks, it means your hearts not right" So the question we must ask ourselves is, do we have the attitude of a servant, or of selfishness? God calls us all to service, not selfishness; and our attitude (or mindset) makes all the difference in this. It is our attitude that is a direct reflection of what is truly in our hearts. I think that most people today would read this passage and feel outraged, saying things like "that's not fair!" I would ask, why isn't it fair though? Isn't it the place of the servant to wait on the master? Shouldn't the servant first take care of their responsibilities before they are to pursue their own interests? I see this passage not as a master/servant power struggle; but rather a reminder of who's will should go first ... our will or God's will?

We must remember our role in this life. We are not the master, we are not the kings; these are God's place; and we are His. God blesses each of us more than we deserve, for this we should feel thankful ... not entitled.

May are hearts be filled with praise and thanksgiving; and may we each have an attitude of gratitude!

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have given to us and for all that you have blessed us with. Lord, without you, we would not be the men and women that we are; may we always remember your sacrifice for us and may we sacrifice for you while here on earth. We pray that your will be done in our lives and that we seek nothing more than to be faithful servants of you. We pray for all those in need of conversion and all those seeking truth in their life. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.