DAILY HOMILIES #service

Doing God’s work without a sense of humility, that is, without an awareness that you are just an instrument in God’s toolbox is dangerous (you can easily be replaced). Never take the complements or testimonies personally, learn to direct glory to God. In the same way, do not take it personally when you encounter those who express their anger against God through you. You are just a servant, the work is not yours.

Washing one’s feet was a task allotted to slaves in the Jewish culture, it was the most humiliating task anyone would do for another. The disciples were shocked. Peter even tried to protest Jesus’ action but Jesus explained: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15).

By his very life, Jesus showed us that the key to greatness is service. St. Paul says: Jesus “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant…. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” (Philippians 2:5-11). Serve others with gladness. God will lift you to greater heights.

In truth, the tongue is one of the smallest visible organs of the body but if it is not properly controlled, it can cause the whole body to be destroyed by fire.

Once upon a time, a popular musician sang: “We all want to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.” To a large extent, this statement sums up our liturgy today. It is a good thing to desire heaven but the question is: “How many of us are willing to pay the price for it?”

And the secret of life is this: when you help someone carry his cross, yours become lighter. If you think life is hard, look around you and you will see those dreaming to be given twice of your problems in exchange for theirs. Be like Mary, reach out, visit, help, don’t be self-centred.

: “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” The key to greatness is to serve others.

A servant can never be greater than the Master. Let us shun every form of pride. Let us avoid taking the glory during “testimony time.” It is God who has done it, we only joined the person to pray, we are not the cause of the miracle and we dare not boast about it. Jesus says: “So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” (Luke 17:10).

If you ever find yourself in a position of service, consider it a privilege, an opportunity to improve yourself, to learn and to grow. Serving others helps you to understand people, it makes you discover your talents and acquire new skills.