Reflections
November 7, 2011
Luke 17:7-10
Jesus said to His disciples, “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.’ ”
Reflection:
We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to
do. We emulate people who do not boast of their accomplishments because
they believe they are simply doing what they are supposed to be doing. A
teacher teaches, a doctor heals, a policeman protects. So what’s the
big deal? There are things naturally expected of us: a preacher
preaches, parents do parenting, and children act as children.
The President commands the police to catch some kidnappers. He/she
does not have to—that is what they are supposed to be doing. A billboard
boasts of his/her projects—the projects are expected of him/her;
besides, these were funded not from his/her pocket but from the
taxpayers’ money. So where is the beef?
We recognize and reward acts done beyond the call of duty. The key
word is beyond. Simple people do good things. Great people do good
things and beyond.
Help in the work of others after finishing your own.
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