Our Place in This World

Gospel: Luke 17: 7-10

Jesus provides us with an example from the world in order to have us understand our place in the kingdom of God.  He does this because then, as now, many fight and argue over status and power in the name of God's kingdom.  But here Jesus reminds us that our status is that of a servant whose work is never done.  We are ever in the posture of serving those in need, those poor and marginalized due to the wars over power and status in the world.  

However, the servant in the world lived a harsh existence where they were often maltreated and disrespected.  They lacked any rights whatever in society.  In the kingdom of God, however, the yoke is easy and the burden light.  We are given refreshment and comfort by the Lord, for it is his example we follow.  He came to serve, not be served.  He lived entirely to heal those sick and diseased, deliver those in bondage by their demons, and nourish those hungry and thirsty.

The mission of the Lord is our mission; the example he sets is the one for us to follow.  We are not called to create centers of power, wealth, and influence.  We are called to serve the poor and marginalized.  This task is never complete on this earth, and we must never rest in the task of caring for and defending the weak and needy of this world.