Tuesday – St. Martin of Tours

Gospel – Luke 17-7-10

Service With A Smile

Lunch, Upper Galilee

The closer we get to Christmas, the more I recall childhood memories of trying to earn money to buy presents for my siblings.  Granted, we did get a weekly allowance, but it was never enough (spendthrift that I was).  I remember going the extra mile - making my bed, cleaning my room (even under the bed) putting away anything lying on the floor (without even being told).  And, no, I didn’t stash it all in the closet!  My bedroom was spotless.  So I proceeded to show Mom all my work, expecting I would get a nice little bit of extra cash for my efforts.  No such luck!  Obviously, my room was one of my regular responsibilities. Why should I get more money for what I was expected to do in the first place!!!

I think that is what Jesus is getting at in today’s Gospel.  We are called to act out of a sense of duty, not out of a desire for a reward for something that’s your responsibility in the first place.

Jesus calls us all today to live out our faith in service to God and to others. We are all called to be true servants and true disciples.  May we continue to take a pause in the hectic mad rush of the modern world and take the chance to reflect and appreciate all that we do so that, when the train starts up again, we jump back in with renewed spirit and energy!

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