11/14/2023 (Tuesday) Today’s gospel reading: 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.’”

11/14/2023 (Tuesday) Today’s gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 17:7-10

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 the gospel reading above 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.

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