Word to the Wise
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 - St. Martin of Tours
[Titus 2:1-8, 11-14 and Luke 17:1-10]When you have done all that you have been commanded, say, "We are unprofitable servants, we have done what we were obliged to do."
Two types of folks appear in my mind at hearing the words of Jesus in regard to servants in this scripture. The first is the class of folks who believe that power gives them special privileges and correpondingly grandiose expectations. This class of persons really believes that God "owes" them. Jesus quickly puts those servants in their place. Their job is to SERVE God and neighbor! The second class of persons are those who don't forget that they are servants but who only do what they are told to do! These are the bane of any religious superior or manager of any project or institution. They show no initiative and are like the guy in next Sunday's gospel who buries the talent he has been given instead of taking initiative with it. We are not commanded by the gospel to be obsequious or fawning servants. Nor should we expect God to do everything for us. Our role is to preach the gospel and wash the feet of the brethren. Martin of Tours was a good example of such a person. His act of generosity in giving his cloak to a begger remains in history to inspire us to follow his example. AMEN
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