Faith Daily | 9 November 2021

PRAYER of the DAY - PENTECOST

Blessed Lord,

you have caused all holy Scriptures to be written

for our learning:

grant that we may so hear them,

read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them,

that, by patience and the comfort of your hold word,

we may embrace and ever hold fast

the blessed hope of everlasting life,

which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

GOSPEL for the Day: Luke 17: 7-10

7 ‘Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, “Come here at once and take your place at the table”? 8Would you not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink”? 9Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? 10So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!” ’

GOSPEL Reflection: Contributed by: Mary Dean

In Jesus’ day, a servant did not have any significant rights. A servant had to do what pleased his or her master, regardless of thanks or praise. A servant had no right to expect approval or commendation. When a servant worked hard and completed a long list of demands, there was no expectation of praise – that servant only did what was expected!

Jesus is using an example from everyday to communicate to his disciples that his way of leading is totally different from the leadership displayed in our world. Worldly leaders can (and very often do) use their influence unjustly and feel entitled to rewards and privileges simply because of their position. The way of Jesus though suggests that serving others is a privilege in itself and no reward is necessary.

Pope Francis, commenting on this reading, said,’Jesus taught us that ‘the leader becomes as one who serves’, and that ‘if anyone would be first, he must be servant of all’. So Jesus overturns the values of worldliness. It is no coincidence that when we serve the Lord freely, we feel an ever more profound peace. It is like hearing once again the Lord say: ‘Come, come, thou good and faithful servant!’’. I often sense that the act of giving actually is most beneficial to the giver!

Today, let me realise that, in the words of the Prophet Micah, all that is necessary is ‘to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly before my God.”.

FINAL PRAYER: (Song written by Richard Gillard)

“Will you let me be your servant? - Let me be as Christ to you.

Pray that I may have the grace - To let you be my servant too

We are pilgrims on a journey, We are travellers on the road;

We are here to help each other- Walk the mile and bear the Load”.

Amen.