J.M.J. Through His life-giving words and actions, Jesus taught the abiding
value of service. He often reminded His listeners of the crucial
importance of willing and prompt service of God and neighbor.
A close examination reveals that the service to which
Our Blessed Lord referred was not just any kind of service. Rather,
what He insisted on was "disinterested," that is, selfless service.
Hypothetically, one could "serve" the Creator and his fellow creatures
but be so wrapped up in the potential reward he may receive for his
efforts. While this may be a kind of doing good, it isn't the same thing
that Christ came to earth to show and exhort us to imitate.
The selfless service rendered by the Redeemer to His
Heavenly Father and to each of us is to become our sole pattern. This
service entrusts to the Lord our own fate. Would that we might serve the
Lord and each member of the human race with the zest, perseverance,
humble confidence in His Beloved Father and utter selflessness that
marked the life of the Messiah!
It is reward enough for us to realize that our
disinterested service is pleasing to God and is His plan for us. This is
our recompense. Yet, we also acknowledge--thanks especially to the
pledges present in the New Testament--that one who really does serve the
Master and His people will not lack for a reward. Everlasting life with
the Almighty, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Angels and the Saints in
Heaven is promised to those who spend themselves in authentic service
while not counting the cost.
Selfless service is not always easy. We become tired.
We may feel as though we are unprepared to perform the specific task
that God desires of us. We may be inclined to become agitated at those
who don't cooperate or who even oppose our endeavors. We may find
ourselves burdened servants while our neighbors seem oblivious to all
that remains to be accomplished for the glory and honor of God and the
salvation of souls.
We must, above all when tempted, frequently recall
the Good Shepherd. His loving service excluded all brooding, self-pity,
hopelessness and anger. His was the way of peaceful service. He knew
better than any that some would seek to stop Him, others would accuse
Him of less-than-upright behavior. But His generous service continued
unabated. He didn't let respect for persons or fear of their unfair and
malicious gossip keep Him from achieving all that His Father wanted.
Is my service for me? Or is it for the Lord and His
sons and daughters? The Church holds up thousands of canonized Saints
who cheerfully and selflessly served as God directed them as models of
that disinterested service that is rooted in the Holy Gospels. These
witnesses followed the high standard set by the Son of God and obtained
the unsurpassed fruit of their labors: unceasing joy in the Kingdom of
God.
A familiar hymn begins: "Lord, make us true servants
to serve those in need." To serve selflessly the Risen Lord Jesus is to
serve disinterestedly His--and our--brothers and sisters. Such Christ-like
service is guaranteed the prize of Paradise. It is ours for the taking.
Mother undefiled, pray for us.
(From The Catholic Servant, July 2000, page nine. Used with permission.)
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Blessings upon Pope Francis on his Second Anniversary as the Bishop of Rome and upon the Reverend Shaun T. Haggerty as he celebrates his Birthday.
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