onthly MeditationMeditation for July 2010
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Judith reads:
The master and the servant is the 14th parable of Jesus peculiar to the Gospel of St. Luke, and is found in Chapter 17 verses 7 to 10.
This parable is very short and doesn't have a long story to embellish the point that Christ is making. Jesus merely states the facts and then draws and presents the conclusion to the disciples.
Jesus says that when a servant comes in from doing his job—ploughing the fields or taking care of the sheep—the master does not invite him to eat a meal but rather tells him to prepare a meal for him and serve him. The servant may eat after the master's needs are met, not expecting any thanks for carrying out his orders. In the same way, Jesus says, when you obey me you should say, "We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty." (New Living Translation.)
In what way are we to interpret this parable in our own lives and in our relationship to God? Do we find this duty and service to God without expectation of reward distasteful? We are brought up in the home to say please and thank you for the things we want and perhaps we don't like it that Jesus says we are not entitled to a please and thank you from God but only an expectation of obedience.
There is no down time from being in the service of God. As Christians, our work and service for God is full-time, 24/7. We may close the door on our office building at the end of our work day and go home but service to God and to others continues whether at work, at home, or at play.
As Christians, we are expected to obey God; see our duty and perform it; love our neighbours; love God; love our family; and love ourselves. Jesus tells us that we are expected to do this and we are not to look for any thanks for doing this duty.
If we are unaware of the love of God for us, we would find this an unjust and difficult way of life. But, because we know his love for us, we cannot help but serve him 24/7; it is our joy and our reward.
Working in the field, shepherding the sheep, preparing the meal, serving at table, and whatever is our day to day work, these are all occasions for joy and reward in a Christian's life; so, also, eating a meal and sharing quiet time with God in his presence.
When we love God, we cannot help ourselves but to serve him and others; and thanks are not needed or expected.
© Judith Lawrence July 2010
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