Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 5, 2025, Luke 17:7-10

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100525.cfm

Serving when we don’t plan it.

I see the servant in the gospel wiping his brow as he walks up the steps into his master’s house. All he wants is to rest his feet, even if just for a few minutes. But all he hears are his master’s words, “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 then the phone rings or we bump into someone, and sometime later, we can finally eat our supper or put our feet up.

Moments like these can be frustrating. So, what should we do about them? We must be careful not to view such moments through the eyes of the world, or we will be unprofitable servants, using Jesus’ words. 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 freeing it is to go through our days knowing God is perfectly accomplishing his plan for us perfectly. What a joy to realize that in every situation, he places us, and with every person we meet, he will provide for every need.

There is a profound 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 realize it. Unprofitable? Not when we do what we are called to do – please the Lord in all things.

Gospel Challenge:
We all face common interruptions. Think of one that keeps recurring. During a moment with the Lord, commit to serving Him through that inconvenience. Offer it as a prayer for someone in need. Remember what “unprofitable” means in Greek.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com