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Opinion

We have done what we were obliged to do

Opinion

We have done what we were obliged to do

By Manila Bulletin

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gospel • Luke 17:7-10

To emphasize the disparity between master and slave, the parable begins with the question, “Who among you would say to your servant...?” This makes the reader identify with the master.

In the Greco-Roman world at the time of Jesus, slaves have duties but no legal rights.

After working in the fields, they still have to cook and wait at the table of their masters. This is so contrary to the picture given by Jesus where the master “will gird himself, have them [servants] recline at table, and proceed to wait on them” (Lk 12:37).

The difference between a Gentile and a Christian master lies on who does the serving (diakonia).

The shift of perspective is seen in the end statement, addressed to the disciples as well as to the wealthy masters and leaders of the churches.

They should not act like Gentile masters but Christian servant-leaders who say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do” (v 10). Everyone is treated with equal dignity.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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REFLECTIONS 365 Days with the Lord

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