Serving freely

0:05

Psalm 5

The Porter's Gate

Today is Tuesday the 10th of November, the feast of Saint Leo the Great, in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time.

Become aware of God’s loving attention on you as you enter into this time of prayer.

Davy, with The Porter’s Gate, sing ‘Psalm 5’. Perhaps you can make the words of this song your own...

Listen God, please pay attention

Can you make sense of all my groans and my cries?

Listen God, I need your help

Every morning you'll hear me at it again

Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar

And wait for fire to descend

3:20

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 17:7-10

‘Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, “Come here at once and take your place at the table”? Would you not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink”? Do you thank the servant for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless servants; we have done only what we ought to have done!”’

4:44

Jesus describes a servant who simply does what is asked and doesn’t expect special thanks. In a world that prizes recognition, this can sound harsh. How do you feel as you hear it? Jesus is not saying that who we are and what we do have no worth to God. What kind of thanks would you want to receive when you have done what was asked of you, and from whom?

St Leo the Great, whose feast we keep today, was a fifth-century pope who reminded Christians of their dignity even as he called them to serve. Serving and being loved and valued are not opposites. Can you serve freely, without keeping accounts? What would it be like to serve out of love rather than for reward?

As we listen to the reading again, noticing the images of field, table and servant, what word or phrase draws you, or perhaps disturbs you? Stay with whatever stirs within you, whether ease or discomfort, and let it take root.

8:27

Luke 17:7-10

‘Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, “Come here at once and take your place at the table”? Would you not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink”? Do you thank the servant for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless servants; we have done only what we ought to have done!”’

9:35

Take time to talk to God about how you are serving at present and how that feels. Ask for the grace to serve with a free and generous heart, without anxiety about being noticed.

11:53

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen