Reflection: Luke 17:7-10

Tuesday of the 32^nd Week of Ordinary Time – Luke 17:7-10

The Gospel for today is an interesting one.  It begins with Jesus saying to his Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who just came in from plowing or tending the sheep: ‘Come and dine with us.  You have worked hard today.’  Would you rather not say to the servant: ‘Come, put on your apron and bring me my meal.’”   Notice: the master completely ignores the fact that the servant had worked for many hours that day and most likely the servant also was hungry. 

Jesus then asks his Apostles the question: “Is the master grateful to the servant for bringing him his meal?”  Most likely, this is not the case.  In the master’s eyes, the servant was simply doing the job he was being paid for.  Then Jesus says to the Apostles: “So should it be with you.  When you have done what was commanded of you, say: ‘We simply are lowly servants.  We were only doing what we were obliged to do!’”

We also are the “servants” of Jesus.  As servants, Jesus expects us to do the work well that is our responsibility.  He also expects us to do it in a loving manner.   However, in this parable, there is no reward for the servant.  And we should not expect a “reward” from Jesus to fulfill our responsibilities.  Rather, Jesus simply expects us to “go about our business.” 

The question for us may be: are we content to do what we have to do?  Many of the activities and responsibilities of daily life are mundane and boring activities and chores.  Yet, if we do our work well and in a pleasant manner, we can be satisfied that we have been responsible servants.  Often, the work we do may never be acknowledged by anyone.  However, if we have worked hard and done our job well, we will have the satisfaction of having been a “good and faithful servant.”  What more can we ask?  Jesus will recognize that we have been a faithful and responsible servant.  And Jesus will reward us!  Is this enough for us?