Tuesday 12 November 2024

Today is Tuesday 12 November, the feast of Saint Josaphat, in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time. ‘Christ be near at either hand’. Let me make these simple words my prayer today. Let me know Christ’s presence in my life, Christ’s closeness to me in every moment of this day, and let me welcome that presence with an open heart. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 17:7-10 ‘Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from ploughing 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 worthless servants; we have done only what we ought to have done!” ’ How comfortable are you, as a modern-day listener, with Jesus’ words in today’s passage? Jesus speaks of servants in today’s passage. Jesus himself became the greatest servant of all… What would you want to say to Jesus, the servant? And what about your own serving? Do you have a strong sense of a task - a serving task, nothing glamorous here - you’ve been asked, or even commanded to do for others? Washing dishes, or patiently caring for a family member, or just spending time listening to someone who is lonely. Think of someone you know whom you might describe as a true servant. What do you notice about them? As you hear the passage again, listen to Jesus’ tone. Strict teacher? Weary parent? Straight talker? Speak with God. Let God know what is in your heart. Be as open, as honest, as frank as you need to be. The passage surely invites it. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.