THE HUMBLE SERVANT
….And he got up from the table, removed his outer garment and, taking a towel, wrapped it around his waist; he then poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet and to wipe them with the towel he was wearing (Jn 13:4-5).
To be an effective worker for both the material and spiritually poor, one needs the quality of humility. The humble work, not for their own glory or gain, but simply to let peace reign in the lives of the vulnerable - those who, for whatever reason, need the presence of someone who inspires. This offering is far more important than any material relief we might be able to offer.
The humble know how to stand in their own truth and beliefs. They are people filled with a sense of gratitude and know that all is gift. Therefore, the things some might see as a curse, the humble will see as blessing.
The humble have the ability of being in touch with the truth about themselves and their purpose in life. They see with great clarity the weakness of the human condition and the degrading misery humanity inflicts upon itself. The more acutely this is seen, the greater will love and compassion be displayed.
All of the above explains why we need to observe the earthly life of Jesus. Jesus knew his truth: he was on earth to serve us at the request of the Father. In Luke’s gospel he goes one day into a synagogue and reads from the prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor (Luke 4:16-27). His mission is our mission too.
When Jesus met the woman at the well and said: If you only knew what God is offering and who it is saying to you give me a drink (Jn 4:10), he is referring to God’s greatest gift to humanity, a gift that effects radical change. The woman’s brief encounter with Jesus sent her away with courage, bringing the gift of hope.
The questions then we need to consider are ‘what are we offering?’ ‘Why are we here, doing what we do?’
DISCUSSION: Consider the questions in the final paragraph in light of the above.
PRAYER
Teach me my God,
So I may learn
In the depths of my being
All that fades
Brings only fading pleasure.
Take me to the heart
Of your purpose
