Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.

The words of Jesus in today’s Gospel reading have always made me squirm a bit. Perhaps this is because we live in a society that expects recognition for what we do. At times, we expect thanks and praise for the most basic human and Christian outreach: serving the needs of others and rescuing our brothers and sisters whose human dignity is being taken away out of greed, power, or prejudice.

We are not just obliged to be of service because a law says so. No, we are obliged because the transformative grace of God has appeared and has been poured into our hearts. We have been profoundly changed by the love of God and the example of Christ, who told us over and over that he came to serve and not be served. We seek not for praise but for a deepening relationship with the God who loves us.

Like Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Saint Josephat knew from a very early age that he was called to a life of service to the Church and those in need. Both faced opposition to their call but remained faithful to what they knew to be the truth of where God was leading them.

The reading from Titus gives a blueprint for living our Christian life as well as how we are to serve each other in whatever stage of life we are in. We, too, face opposition from the values of the world around us—from those who live for their own power and gain, from those who think us weak when we live our servanthood!

Despite being unprofitable servants, let us never forget that we have been graciously invited to the banquet table of the Eucharist to dine with our Master. This sacred meal is not just a symbol but a profound opportunity to deepen our relationship with God.

Prayer:

Good and gracious God, thank you for pouring your love into our hearts and calling us servants. Send your Spirit into our hearts, giving us the grace to pour your love into the hearts of all we meet. Amen.