GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 8TH NOVEMBER 2016
TUESDAY OF THE 32ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING: Titus 2:1-8, 11-14
PSALM: Psalm 37:3-4, 18, 23, 27,29
GOSPEL: Luke 17:7-10
THEME: FAITHFUL SERVANTS
There appears to be an instinctive desire in each one of us, however small it may be, to expect some form of appreciation or reward for a good work done. In fact, experts in behavioural science have observed that rewarding good work done often brings out the best in people.
However, in today’s Gospel text, Jesus says to his disciples, “When you have done all you have been told to do, say, ‘We are useless servants: we have done no more than our duty’” (Luke 17:10). In sum, disciples should not expect congratulations for service rendered.
The truth of the matter is that God freely showers his favours and gifts on us. He is the only “employer” who “pays us” long before we even conceive the idea of doing some work in his vineyard. For example, we often take the air he gives to us for granted until one day we are rushed to the hospital and are made to pay for oxygen to keep us alive. We take the blood that runs through our veins for granted until one day, we run short of blood and are asked to buy pints of blood to stay alive. There are many more examples that we can give. In short, the generosity of God towards us is beyond measure. Hence, when we offer any faithful service in the vineyard of the Lord, it should be seen as a response to the faithfulness of God and not as a claim on God.
Inherent in today’s Gospel text is a call to embrace values like selflessness, humility and commitment in the service of the Lord. These values ought to be visible in our lives. As we step out to embark on our daily activities today, we are called upon not just to be servants but faithful servants of the Lord. When we have done all that is expected of us, we should simply say, ‘We are useless servants: we have done no more than our duty’.
Prayer: Eternal Father, I offer to you every part of my being. Use me to establish your Kingdom on earth. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).