Reflections for Sunday
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time - October 19, 2003
Jesus called his disciples together and said to them, "You know the rulers of the people lord it over them, and they exert authority over them. But it is not so with you. Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be the slave of all. The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."Mark 10: 42-45
The Way of Service
My Lord Jesus, everything you teach me is for my good. Your words guide me on the journey of faith. You keep me on the right path that leads to your Father's house.
Today you teach me that the way I must walk is the way of service. You turn my way of seeing things upside down. You say that if I wish to be fulfilled, I must be the servant of all. Your ways are far above me. I can only accept your word in faith and obedience, even though it goes against all my instincts.
You know what I need. You know that I cannot find my way to you as long as I am absorbed with myself. I cannot see myself as I really am until I look beyond myself. By making myself the servant of others I begin to understand my lowliness. I begin to see that I am a poor creature of the earth, utterly dependent on you. When I acknowledge my need for you, I open my hands and heart to be filled the the abundance of your love. I no longer face the world with clenched fists and a heart of stone. I am disarmed and at peace. I empty myself so that I may be filled with grace. I make myself weak so that I may be filled with the power of love.
When I serve another, you are present in the world once again. What I give to another is not menial service but a priceless gift. When I serve, I imitate you in a small way. I give up a part of my life to ransom a soul for you. One of your children is touched by your love through me. Nothing I could ever do is greater than this.
Lord Jesus Christ, take all my freedom, my memory, my understanding, and my will. All that I have and cherish you have given me. I surrender it all to be guided by your will. Your grace and your love are wealth enough for me. Give me these, Lord Jesus, and I ask for nothing more.Ignatius Loyola