***
Perhaps what distinguishes five-star hotels from the rest is service.
When you arrive, the valet will take your car. The bell-hop will take your luggage to your room.
The next morning, you can call down for room service; a maid will bring you fresh towels, make your bed, and maybe leave a chocolate on your pillow.
They are all there to serve you.
***
Too often Jesus is treated like a bell-hop. He is only here to serve us.
In the Gospel, for example, people lay their sick in the marketplaces, the town center, outside their homes, on the edge of town.
Wherever they can lay them.
They’re not after Jesus or his heart; they’re after his power.
***
It seems to be part of our human nature to take things for granted – and by extension – to take God for granted.
We’ve all known a fair-weather friend. Such a person always comes around when they need something from us. But they disappear when we something from need them.
Then there are Catholics who only come to Church for a sacrament – a baptism, a wedding, a funeral. But they never give back.
The Church only exists to serve them.
The same can be true for God. It’s a timeless temptation to knock on heaven’s door when we need the Lord.
But are we there when the Lord needs us?
***
The final command that Jesus gives to Peter – and by extension – to all of us is to, “feed his lambs.” Meaning to care for the poor, to visit the sick, to clothe the naked, to be generous to all.
God has already given us so much. How might we give a little back today?