The Pope is the Head of the Universal Church.

He is recognized by many titles…

… Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church etc.

Another prominent title among these is: the Servant of the servants of God.

Servanthood is an important dimension in being a follower of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation and reminder to this great aspect of our Christian Lives: Being a Servant.

The Lord narrates the Parable of the Unprofitable Servant.

>> In this parable, Jesus tells about a servant who works all day long out in the field, or out taking care of the flock.

And after he works all day long, he comes into the house…

>> Is he expected to sit down and rest and eat his own meal?

No

Rather, he is required to serve his master by providing him the meal first.

And after doing all that work – all day long – there’s no word of thanks, no gratitude.

Jesus closes out this parable by saying that the servant was unprofitable because he only did what he was told to do.

Is it something practical?

>> Is it something easy?

 

Our modern-day psychology would speak of the concept of a “positive stroke” that is to be given to those working or those who undertake some labour.

>> It’s important…

… that the employers in a company are given a “positive stroke” by appreciating their good works…

… that the servants in a house are given a “positive stroke” by encouraging with good words and a cheerful countenance…

… that the workers in a firm or factory are given a “positive stroke” by acknowledging their worth and constantly boosting their confidence level…

But the Gospel of the Day seems to be demanding much more from a Servant…

>> A servant who works whole day long ploughing in the field or tending the sheep…

>> A servant who delays his needs and instead prepares and serves meals for his master…

>> A servant, who after all his works, doesn’t expect words of gratitude…

The Parable is surely a tough one!

But, the One who preached this Parable is not a mere preacher, but is a ‘practiser’!

>> Jesus, the one who preached this Parable, practised perfectly, this life of being a servant.

>> He is the Servant, who works in the field ploughing…

…sowing the seed of the Word of God, ploughing the Gospel in the hearts of people and toiling in the hot sun of oppositions and mockery

>> He is the Servant, who tends the sheep in the field…

…providing pasture for His people, protecting them from the wolves of the evil and going after any of the sheep which are lost in the wilderness

>> He is the Servant, who prepares a meal and serves at table…

…nourishing those at table with His own body, strengthening them with His own blood and constantly reinforcing in the journey of life

How are we to be such a Servant of the Lord?

 

1. Having a mind of being a Servant of God:

The world of a servant centres not around himself, but around the Master.

>> Whatever pleases the Master, the servant does.

If we truly acknowledge God as our Master, then we too…

…will think and seek to do His Will

…will do the works which please Him

…will speak the words which are worthy of His grace

2. Being Committed in this task of being His servant

The world of a servant centres around total availability and openness to the needs of the Master.

If we truly accept God as our Master, then we too…

…will place His priorities over ours

…will give ourselves to Him totally at all times

…will avoid anything that blocks my complete service of Him

The Call is to be a Servant…who is dedicated and selfless.

>> Jesus is our model and example in being a Servant.

It’s a demand placed on us.

Servanthood is an important dimension in being a follower of Jesus Christ.

>> Let us seek for this grace of growing in the Service of the Lord.

Let us seek the intercession of Blessed John Duns Scotus, whose feast we celebrate tomorrow.

>> He is considered to be one of the most important philosopher-theologians of the Middle Ages…

… even being called as a “Marian Doctor” as he championed the defense of the Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of Blessed Mother Mary.

Let us give heed to his words:

“O Lord, our God, you have proclaimed yourself to be the first and last.

>> Teach your servant to show by reason what he holds with faith most certain…

… that you are the most eminent, the first efficient cause and the last end.”

 

*God Bless! _Live Jesus_!*

*- Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS*

*_Bengaluru, India_*