Daily Gospel Reflection
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November 12, 2019
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 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 servant for doing what was commanded?
“So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done only what we ought to have done!’”
When I first read through this passage I’m struck with the lack of acknowledgment and gratitude from the master. That isn’t fair, I think, when Jesus essentially remarks that the hardworking servant has to continue to serve and not be celebrated. But, clearly, the disciples are being delivered a dose of humility with this parable; one certainly relevant for us today as well. I think we are being shown that the grace of heaven isn’t a reward to be achieved and our pious works on earth are not accomplishments. Rather the work of being God’s servant is in itself the grace and reward.
I think my wife and I get a taste of this parable in our life as parents: I observe my wife work tirelessly to clothe, feed, arrive at school on-time, organize activities, have dinner ready, do the laundry, and more everyday. And after an entire day of exhausting service to our four children not a nighttime routine concludes without, “Mommy, can you read another story?” or “Mommy, I need a glass of water” or “Mommy, where’s my bear!” The servant never rests.
And yet, indeed, the joys of parenting are intrinsic to the service. We don’t accomplish the tasks of parenting in order to kick our feet up at the end of the day and say “job well done” while our children serve us wine and praise (as an aside, if anyone knows how to accomplish that feat, we would welcome it on occasion). I think this is the kind of service and the life of the servant that Jesus is calling us to in the gospel today, one that requires a heavy dose of humility.
Prayer
Let us not boast, Lord God, about our accomplishments in your service. What good we have done has been due to your help, grace, and inspiration. Let us be aware of your assistance through fidelity, honesty, courage, and faith. If we are at peace both with ourselves and with others, it is due mainly to your help in keeping us from bitterness, hate, or jealousy. Let our kindness to others reflect your kindness to us. Amen.
Saint of the Day
John Kunsevich was born in what is now Poland in 1580 and lived during a time of schism between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches. As a youth, he turned down a marriage arrangement and business partnerships in order to enter a monastery in 1604, when he took the name Josaphat.
He lived a life of prayer and discipline and as he matured, was named bishop of a local church in present-day Ukraine that was in great need of reform. He led by example and instituted changes that helped clergy and laity alike live more faithfully. Schismatic Orthodox bishops took up residence in the same area, claiming priority in the faith among the people. Conflict arose, and Josaphat was unfairly discredited. He tried to calm the troubles by speaking out, knowing full well that it might cost him his life. "If I am counted worthy of martyrdom,” he said, “then I am not afraid to die."
He urged patience and forbearance among his people, even when they were incited to violence. Tensions rose until finally a mob gathered and took him by force—he was beaten and killed and his body was thrown in the river.
It is said that the Jewish people of the city acted heroically amidst the violent mob—they risked their own lives to try to protect Josaphat and his friends and servants. These Jews saved many lives and they were the only ones to publicly accuse the killers of Josaphat and mourn his death while the Catholics of the city hid.
The violence convinced many in the city that things had gone too far, and public opinion moved towards unity. Orthodox opposition leaders came to reconcile with Rome. The relics of St. Josaphat rest in the reliquary chapel.
St. Josaphat, who gave your life for the unity of Christians and inspired reconciliation with your death, pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Josaphat is used with permission from Catholic Online. Last accessed November 15, 2024. Modified from the original.