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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Unprofitable servants

Unprofitable servants

Published Nov 11, 2024 04:08 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

 

While common attitude toward servants and helpers has changed through the years, thereby giving such people with more respect and gratitude, people “naturally” aspire toward other types of jobs in which they are accorded with more power and prestige. 


And yet, servanthood is the essence of Christianity, as Jesus’ life was one of service, humble service. 


In fact, Jesus says that anyone who wants to rank first must serve the rest, as he did.


The Gospel narrative today, especially the ending, where we hear Jesus commenting on his illustration, seems to run counter to what we say above about giving those in such jobs the respect and dignity they deserve. 


To say that servants are “unprofitable” (v 10), doing only what they are supposed to do, seems to belittle them. 


And yet, Jesus says so in order to underline an important point in such a context, nonetheless. 


That is, before God, we cannot claim anything; we are only God’s servants, and we are expected to do what we are supposed to do. 


Thus, most probably, this is said in order to remind every Christian that no matter how high a position they may achieve in society, in the end, before God, we are all servants, each one given a task to accomplish in God’s overall plan of saving humanity.

 

Gospel • Luke 17:7-10

Jesus said to the Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? 


Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. 


You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? 


So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’ ”

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” 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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