Readings: Titus 2:1-8.11-14, Ps.37, Luke:17:7-10
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
UNDERSTANDING THAT WE ARE JUST HUMBLE SERVANTS CALLED TO DO THE WILL OF THE MASTER
These days, the rate at which people seek rewards for what they have done, and some even for what they have not done, is quite disturbing. Today it is difficult for people to do things without looking for what they will gain from it.
In fact, it takes courage to trust people, even when they extend their hands in generosity, because we often think they have hidden motives behind it. But this should not be our attitude as disciples of Christ.
Little wonder that in our Gospel passage today, Jesus, in the parable of a dutiful servant, corrects some of the wrong thinking and notions about being a disciple and teaches us what our true place and disposition should be.
In the parable, Jesus compared our relationship with God to that of a master and his servant. Where the servant had a duty to serve his master well and to do what he had been told to do without seeking for any compliments. Because the master has no obligation to congratulate or please the servant.
Therefore, it tells us that we are “unworthy servants” before our Worthy and righteous God. So disciples should not seek reward for their good deeds. For our obedience to God is required by the very nature of who God is and not something to boast about or seek a reward for since our obedience is that of a son or daughter to a loving Father.
Dear friends, today we are reminded that in following Jesus, we should do all our good works in humility without any strange attachment. We should do what we can to help others we meet on our way for no reason other than to help for the sake of helping. And St. Paul in our first reading tells us how every one of us ought to behave in the respective positions we find ourselves in.
This is what we see in Pope St. Leo the Great, whose memorial we celebrate today, for he showed us what it means to be a true and dedicated disciple of the Lord. As the Pope, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the well-being of his flock.
He led the Church and the faithful through the most difficult moment, and was instrumental in strengthening the Church against the various heresies of his time, telling all Christians to recognise our dignity.
Therefore, as a faithful servant, all that is required is for us to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly before God without seeking any reward for that is what we are called to do. Remember that everything that happens to us, whether prosperous or adverse, comes from God, so that you neither become puffed up in prosperity nor discouraged in adversity. Thus, in anything you do avoid evil, do good, and seek peace.
LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, teach us how to be a humble and faithful servant, even when it is difficult. Grant that through the intercession of St. Leo the Great, we may obtain the grace to be faithful and humble servants at any level we find ourselves without seeking rewards. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen Have a faithful day.
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