The Servant-Master

Gospel: Luke 12: 35-38

In the ancient world it was unheard of that a master would serve his slaves at table, that he would allow them to recline while he served them.  That idea was simply unthinkable in the traditional master servant paradigm.  This paradigm formed the basis of how religion was understood by the ancients.  Human beings were the servants of the gods who could - and did - command their subjects to do whatever they wanted.  It was never the case that a deity served human beings.  

But now along comes Jesus who upsets the traditional paradigm.  In today's reading he has the master serve his servants at table.  He allows them to recline while he provides for their needs.  God has come to serve humanity, to bind up its wounds, to heal its infirmities, to liberate it from its demons, to nourish it at table.  God does this in the person of Jesus who takes upon himself the role of servant, even stooping to wash our feet at table, the most abasing act of servitude known.  

Jesus gives us this new model in order to inspire humanity to a life of service for others, to instill the love of neighbor that is so lacking in humanity.  Many will rise to this occasion and live as Jesus does.  Others will invent alternative Christianities that demean the poor, abuse the immigrant, migrant, refugee, and marginalized peoples.  The authentic disciple follows the example of the Lord, who was servant to all peoples in all places and situations.