The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 8, 2005
The Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 2:23–3:9
Psalm 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
Luke 17:7-10
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
"We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do." This is the essence of service to our Lord.
In our current age it is difficult at times to find people for service. Countless churches, charities, hospitals and public service organizations are always looking for volunteers. While some are found that give their time and other resources willingly, many times these services are shorthanded and resort to all kinds of tactics to get volunteers or financial donors. Many (not all) say they will give, but only to a point and only if it does not burden them. Service to the Lord is much, much different.
The fact is we are the Lord's servants and that is what we are called to do. We are called to do His work, give Him praise, care for His people and Love Him with our whole beings. It is our obligation. God gave us life freely and we are to serve freely. We can expect nothing further in return and have no right to ask for any more than we already have received. God has given us His love freely, we must do the same for Him; for to do otherwise is to not truly serve.
With all He has given us, there should really be no reason to hedge, withhold our service or ask for something more. He has given us His all, in His eternal love. And when we have done all that is asked of us, we should lovingly say, "I am your simple servant, and have done what You have asked of me."
- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)
20051108