November 12, 2024, Luke 17:7-10  

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111224.cfm

Serving when we don’t plan it.

I can see the servant in the gospel wiping his brow, walking up the steps into his master’s house. All he wants to do is put his feet up, at least for a few minutes. But all he hears is his master’s command, “Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.”

We all know this experience well. We have our plans, and the phone rings, or we bump into somebody, and sometime later, we can eat our supper or put our feet up.

Moments like these can be frustrating. So what to do about them? We must be careful not to see such moments through the eyes of the world, or we will be unprofitable servants, using Jesus’ terms. That might not be all bad.

Did you know that the Greek translation for the term “unprofitable” in this context means that Jesus’ disciples are “without need”? How free to go through our days, knowing God is accomplishing his plan for us perfectly. What a joy to know that in every circumstance, he places us, and with every person we encounter, he will provide for every need.

There is a deep joy in serving the Lord on his terms. Our plans aren’t that important. We can welcome all those interruptions as invitations for Jesus to minister to someone who needs Him, even if they don’t know it. Unprofitable? Not when we do what we are obliged to do – please the Lord.

Gospel Challenge:
We all have common interruptions. Think of one that keeps coming up. In a moment with the Lord, intend to oblige yourself to serve Him in that inconvenience. Offer it as a prayer for someone who is in need. Remember what “unprofitable” means in Greek.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com