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Gospel: Luke 17: 7-10
Jesus said to the Apostles:
“Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’?
Would he not rather say to him,
‘Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished’?
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.'”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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On his deathbed, Saint Francis of Assisi said to the first Franciscans, “My brothers, I have done what is mine to do. Now you must do what is yours to do.”
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Francis viewed himself like the unprofitable servant in today’s Gospel.
He didn’t need worldly accolades or praise for all he accomplished. While he rebuilt the Church spiritually, and his example still inspires people eight centuries later, Francis simply did, “What was his to do.”
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Jesus sees his Apostles similarly, calling them “unprofitable servants.” They have been chosen by the Lord to work, building the kingdom of God in four particular ways.
Using Gospel imagery, Jesus commands his Apostles to:
Plow the fields – spread the Word of God wherever they go, planting seeds of faith.
Tend God’s sheep – keep a shepherd’s heart, seeking out the lost.
Wait on others – see themselves like those who have not come to be served, but to serve.
Eat and drink – celebrate the Eucharist, feeding the first Christians with the Body and Blood of Christ.
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Which of these four things is the Lord calling us to do?
Plow the fields, spreading God’s Word – at home, at work, in the community.
Tend God’s sheep – seeking out the lost, caring for their souls spiritually.
Wait on others, be their servant.
“Eat and drink.” Invite people to, “Come and see.”
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“I have done what is mine to do,” Saint Francis said 800 years ago. “Now you must do what is yours to do.”
What is mine to do today?
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Image credits: (1) Fine Art America (2) iFunny Brazil (3) Holley Gerth
Perhaps I get too caught up in semantics or try to overthink things; however, I wonder if in my imperfect ways I try to accomplish what I think God is asking of me given the talents He has provided me, am I “an unprofitable servant?”
Because of my own foibles and imperfections (sins) “I am unworthy to have you enter under my roof,” and am I thus “unprofitable?”
I would like to think not! Much for me to ponder. Yes, can I and should I be more profitable, but unprofitable rankles/bothers me!