A reading from the gospel according to Luke 17:7-10

Jesus said to the Apostles:
7 “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’?
8 Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’?
9 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
10 So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

Reflection: Servants

There is something in each one of us that always seeks the attention of other people especially from our parents, bosses and other elders. We want others to look up to us, to praise us and say thank you for our works and achievements. That is why many of us desire so much to become achievers by any means. Some go to the extent of becoming sycophants or even criminals. Others work so hard, honestly perhaps but very competitively that they have less and less time for God and family.

Jesus is reminding us that we must live and work as servants of God. In whatever we do, we must put God first, that all praises, honors, and thanksgiving must be given to God for He alone is the source of all things that is good. In reality, we are nothing without Him and all that we have including our time, talent and treasures come from Him.

As servants of God, we do what we are told to do without complaints and without any expectation of receiving compliments from men. We serve to please God, not men. We live by His truths, standards and morals. Yet in reality, we displease Him every now and then by our constant self-idolatry. We often seek and serve first ourselves and forget to serve Him and others. That is why we are “unprofitable servants” – unworthy to even receive any compensation.

Yet we know that God is gracious, merciful and generous. He has sent His only Son Jesus Christ to show us what servant leadership is all about. In Jesus, we see the ultimate model on how to please God. May we all look up to Him for guidance and ask Him to help us become like Him. Amen.

*****

Many of us seek recognition and praise. We measure our worth by how much appreciation we receive at work, in their families, or even in our service to others. We crave validation, and when it doesn’t come, we may feel overlooked or unappreciated. But in this Gospel reading, Jesus teaches us a deeper kind of humility, one that serves not for applause but out of love and faithfulness.

In this passage, we read the story of a servant who comes in from the field after a long day of work. The master does not immediately tell him to sit down and eat; instead, the servant continues to fulfill his duty, serving his master first before taking care of himself. When the work is done, he doesn’t expect special praise or thanks. He simply does what is required of him.

At first glance, this may sound unfair. Why should someone work so hard and not even be thanked? But Jesus uses this image to show that in the kingdom of God, our service is not about earning rewards or recognition. It’s about faithfulness. True disciples serve because they love God, not because they seek attention or approval.

This message challenges us deeply. Think about a teacher who pours out her time and energy preparing lessons, mentoring students, and even using her own money to buy classroom materials — yet rarely hears “thank you.” Or a nurse who spends long nights caring for patients, missing family gatherings and holidays, simply because she knows others depend on her. These people may not always receive public praise, but their quiet faithfulness reflects the heart of a true servant.

The same is true in our spiritual journey. Some serve in church ministries — singing in the choir, arranging chairs, visiting the sick, or leading prayer groups — without anyone noticing their effort. But God sees. Even when others overlook our work, He treasures every act done with humility and love. Our worth is not measured by how much we are praised, but by how faithfully we serve in the tasks entrusted to us.

Jesus’ message also reminds us to guard our hearts against pride. It’s easy to think, “I’ve done enough,” or “I deserve more recognition.” But following Christ means understanding that our service is a response to grace, not a means to gain favor. We serve because He first loved us. We give because He gave everything for us.

In a modern setting, this teaching could look like an employee who continues to do his best even when no one notices, trusting that integrity matters more than applause. It could be a parent who sacrifices daily for the family without expecting constant gratitude. It could be a volunteer who shows up every week to feed the hungry or visit the lonely, not because it’s glamorous, but because it’s right.

Humility in service transforms ordinary moments into acts of worship. It frees us from the constant need for validation and helps us focus on pleasing God alone. When we see our life as a form of service to Him, whether in our jobs, families, or communities, every act becomes meaningful.

In a culture that celebrates self-promotion, Jesus calls us to a countercultural way of living: to serve quietly, faithfully, and joyfully. We are not servants who serve for a reward but beloved children who serve out of gratitude. When we remember that everything we have including time, talent, and opportunities is a gift from God, then serving becomes not a burden but a blessing.

In the end, the lesson of this narrative is about humility that flows from love. It invites us to do good not for recognition but for the glory of God. It’s a reminder that every small act of faithfulness, though unseen by the world, is precious in God’s eyes. And one day, when our earthly service is done, we will hear the words that matter most, not from people, but from our Lord Himself: “Well done, my faithful servant.”

*****

Jesus is indeed a master teacher. He uses every experiences that are familiar to His audience in order to point out His message. In the gospel reading above, Jesus uses the master-servant relationship that was prevalent during His time to teach us the way to serve in His vineyard. We are to serve with humility and dedication, no complaints and no expectation of praise or whatever compliment. We just serve for the glory of God and not for our own.

Yet, while the main message of this gospel passage is servanthood, let us point out that gone are the days of master-slave arrangements. We can allow ourselves to be slaves of God but not of men. Nowadays, there are laws against slavery. Even maids, household helpers, babysitters, and caregivers have rights protected by law. Employees cannot be abused by anyone, let alone employers. On the other hand, employees and household workers are expected to do their job with commitment and faithfulness. In other words, in today’s work environment, everyone’s right must be observed. Christians in particular must treat each other with respect and generosity. Employers must love their employees and vice versa. Give credit to whom credit is due. Say thank you to every good deed shown by another. Because when commitment, generosity and gratitude define the relationship of employers and employees or any human relationship for that matter, expect success and blessings to come around.