Thoughts for the Day

‘Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, “Come here at once and take your place at the table”? Would you not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink”? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!”’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Having been brought up with a father in the Army, then joining the WRAF myself, and finally marrying someone in the RAF I learnt a number of things. Two of these were, it was no good complaining that you didn't know something - you should have read the orders on the notice board; and secondly, one shouldn't expect recognition or reward for doing one's duty!

In this parable from Luke's Gospel (another only in his work) about a master and his servant (or slave) Jesus is talking about the qualities needed by one of God's servants. But there is a double thought here. We are to offer God our humble obedience. He has called us to be his witnesses to the world. Saint Teresa of Avila says we are His feet, hands, eyes etc (see attached picture) and we should not expect reward for doing our duty. But as well as serving God we are also to serve others in the world, selflessly and without expecting to gain anything from them for our work.

Jesus' words should challenge us to think about our motives. Are we offering God our genuine, humble, service, and are we offering other people help simply from a desire to assist them or do we have other hopes there will be some kind of special recognition or reward? This week as we go about our lives at home or at work, can all of us approach each task without expecting any return, but simply because we know it's the right thing to do?

Prayer by Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Teach us, good Lord,
to serve you as you deserve,
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labour and not to ask for any reward,
save that of knowing that we do your will.
Amen.