I can see the servant in the gospel wiping his brow as he climbs the steps to 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 find ourselves in this familiar situation. We have our plans neatly laid out, and then the phone rings or we unexpectedly run into someone, and suddenly our well-structured day takes a different turn.
Moments like these can be frustrating. So what should we do? We must be careful not to see them through the world’s eyes, or we will be unprofitable servants, in Jesus’ terms. That might not be all bad.
Did you know that the Greek translation of the term “unprofitable” in this context means that Jesus’ disciples are “without need”? How free we are to go through our days, knowing that God is perfectly accomplishing his plan for us. What a joy to know that in every circumstance he places us in and with every person we encounter, he will provide for every need.
There is a profound joy in serving the Lord on His terms. Our plans, however meticulously crafted, pale in comparison to the joy we feel when we embrace these interruptions as opportunities for Jesus to minister to someone who needs Him, even if that person is unaware. Unprofitable? Not when we do what we are obliged to do, namely, please the Lord.
Gospel Challenge:
We all face interruptions. Think of one that frequently disrupts your plans. In a moment of reflection with the Lord, commit yourself to serving Him in the midst of that inconvenience. Offer it as a prayer for someone in need. Remember the profound meaning of “unprofitable” in Greek and let it guide your actions.
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Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection: Tuesday ~ 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
November 10, 2026
Luke 17:7-10
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111026.cfm
Serving when we don’t plan it.
I can see the servant in the gospel wiping his brow as he climbs the steps to 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 find ourselves in this familiar situation. We have our plans neatly laid out, and then the phone rings or we unexpectedly run into someone, and suddenly our well-structured day takes a different turn.
Moments like these can be frustrating. So what should we do? We must be careful not to see them through the world’s eyes, or we will be unprofitable servants, in Jesus’ terms. That might not be all bad.
Did you know that the Greek translation of the term “unprofitable” in this context means that Jesus’ disciples are “without need”? How free we are to go through our days, knowing that God is perfectly accomplishing his plan for us. What a joy to know that in every circumstance he places us in and with every person we encounter, he will provide for every need.
There is a profound joy in serving the Lord on His terms. Our plans, however meticulously crafted, pale in comparison to the joy we feel when we embrace these interruptions as opportunities for Jesus to minister to someone who needs Him, even if that person is unaware. Unprofitable? Not when we do what we are obliged to do, namely, please the Lord.
Gospel Challenge:
We all face interruptions. Think of one that frequently disrupts your plans. In a moment of reflection with the Lord, commit yourself to serving Him in the midst of that inconvenience. Offer it as a prayer for someone in need. Remember the profound meaning of “unprofitable” in Greek and let it guide your actions.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com
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