Reflection for Tuesday November 11 Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop: Luke 17:7-10

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.

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Reflection:

What characterizes a meaningful life?

It is a life of loving service to God and to our fellowmen and women. God brought us into this world not to be served but to serve. Yet if we are honest, serving God is not always easy. It can be tiring, demanding, and even misunderstood. Still, we are called to serve—no matter how difficult—so that we may help Jesus spread His saving love and living faith.

But what does it truly take to become genuine servants of the Lord? It requires humility—deep, sincere, and constant humility. For only a humble heart can serve without seeking applause, recognition, or validation. But do we truly have humility when we serve? Many of us, oftentimes, are tempted to look good in the eyes of others. Many times, even our desire to serve the poor can be influenced by how we want Jesus or other people to see us.

Yet Jesus cannot be fooled. We may impress people, but we can never hide from Him the real motives of our hearts. He sees everything—the intentions behind our actions, the thoughts behind our smiles, the reasons behind our service.

And still, in His mercy, the moment we choose to follow or serve God, He will surely reward us. The first reward is peace—deep peace that the world cannot give. And many other rewards will follow. These may not be the rewards we expect or desire from this world, but they will be far greater, far deeper, far more lasting than anything earthly recognition can offer. Some of these rewards may not even come in our lifetime, but they will surely come in God’s perfect time—even beyond our earthly life.

Because God never forgets the love we give, the sacrifices we make, and the small, hidden acts of service we offer in His name.

Are we serving to be seen—or serving because we have seen and experienced the love of Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas