Today’s 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.'”
Today’s Gospel Reflection
Today’s Gospel from Luke 17:7-10 invites us into a profound reflection on humility and faithful service. Jesus uses the everyday image of a servant returning from the fields to illustrate our relationship with God. Just as a master expects his servant to prepare the meal and serve before eating himself, without special thanks for merely fulfilling duties, so too does God call us to serve Him with a heart of obedience, not seeking praise or reward.
The key teaching here is one of profound humility: even after doing everything we are commanded, we should recognize ourselves as ‘unprofitable servants’ who have only done what was required. This isn’t about self-deprecation but about freeing ourselves from the burden of earning God’s love. His grace is a gift, not something we merit through our works. In our busy lives, this reminds us to approach our daily tasks, prayers, and acts of kindness with quiet faithfulness, trusting in God’s goodness rather than our own accomplishments.
Let this Gospel encourage you to embrace your role in God’s kingdom with joy and surrender. What ‘field work’ in your life can you offer back to Him today? As we ponder this, may it draw us closer to the heart of Christ, who served us perfectly. 🙏
Let us pray: Lord, help us to serve You with humble hearts, finding peace in doing Your will. Amen.