In our fallen state, our natural tendency is to want to be served and placed first and to avoid giving too much of ourselves to the service of others. And besides, who really prefers to take the lowly place of a servant who puts the needs of others before their own needs?

The gospel honors these women who imitated Jesus in his selfless sacrificial love and humble service.

Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time

1 Timothy 6:2c-12

Psalm 49:6-7, 8-10, 17-18, 19-20

L uke 8:1-3 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, (2) and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Mag'dalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, (3) and Joan'na, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.

Meditation by Don Schwager

A re you ready to serve the Lord and to support the work of the gospel with your personal resources? During his three years of public ministry Jesus traveled widely. The gospel records that a band of women accompanied Jesus and the twelve apostles. This was a diverse group of women; some came from rich and prominent families; some had been prostitutes, and others had been afflicted with mental and physical infirmities.


We know that Mary Magdalene had lived a very troubled life before Jesus freed her from seven demons. She was privileged to be the first to see Jesus as the risen Lord. As the wife of King Herod's chief financial officer, Joanna was a wealthy lady of the court. It's unlikely that these two would have ever met under other circumstances. What brought them together and united them in a bond of friendship, service, and loyalty to Jesus? Certainly Jesus and his message of the kingdom of God had transformed them. Unlike the apostles, who took great pride in being the chosen twelve, these women did not seek position or demand special privileges. Jesus had touched them so deeply that they were grateful to do anything for him, even menial service. They brought their gifts and resources to Jesus to use as he saw fit.

Are you more like the status-conscious apostles who were concerned for their position, or like the women who were content to serve Jesus quietly and generously with their personal resources? In our fallen state, our natural tendency is to want to be served and placed first and to avoid giving too much of ourselves to the service of others. And besides, who really prefers to take the lowly place of a servant who puts the needs of others before their own needs? Jesus is our best example who "came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom" for us (Matthew 20:28). The gospel honors these women who imitated Jesus in his selfless sacrificial love and humble service.

Our privilege as children of God and disciples of Jesus is to serve as Jesus served with humility, selfless love, generosity, joy, and a willingness to do whatever God asks of us. God, in his turn, gives us every good gift and grace we need to carry out our task and mission. God in his infinite power needs no one, but in his wisdom and love, he chooses to entrust his work through each one of us. His Holy Spirit equips us with all that we need to love and serve others. No one is unimportant or unnecessary in God's economy. The least in his kingdom find a home and a mission at Jesus' side. Do you know the joy of serving Jesus in company with others who love and serve him willingly?

"Lord Jesus, set my heart on fire for you that I may give freely of the gifts, talents, and resources you give me, for your sake and for the work of the gospel."

Supplementary Reading

GooD SERVANT

The greatest among you must be your servant. – Matthew 23:11

In one of the community retreats that I attended, we had a reenactment of Jesus washing the feet of His Apostles. Some members felt embarrassed to have their feet washed by their leaders while others felt shocked by the mere thought of another person washing their feet. When I called on Vanee to wash her feet, she tried to reason her way out of the exercise. She said, “Dins, is it really necessary for you to do this?” In reply I said, “Please, just allow me to do this little service for you.” As I washed Vanee’s feet, I prayed for her intentions and renewed my commitment to love and care for her as my sister in Christ. A surge of protectiveness overcame me as I wiped her feet dry and I felt humbled that, in spite of my imperfections, the Lord had given me the chance to be a “spiritual mother” to Vanee and the other brothers and sisters in our community.

From that simple exercise I realized that a good leader is first and foremost a good servant. This way, one can lead by example. I was blessed to have been under the care of humble, godly and supportive leaders. From them I saw Jesus’ very own brand of service — joyful, dedicated and selfless — and I did my best to do the same. Dina Pecaña

REFLECTION:

Are you a good servant?

Jesus, bless our leaders with the grace and humility to serve Your people as You served.