Gospel: Luke 17: 7-10
In the world of institutional religion it is rather common to find people seeking honors and positions of influence and esteem, both in realms ecclesiastical and secular. Regardless of theological or political persuasion, this jockeying for position is regular fare in organized religion. And yet time and again in the Gospels Jesus repeatedly urges us to a life of humility in undertaking the work of mercy and loving kindness to others in the world.
In today's Gospel portion Jesus gives us an analogy where every Christian is a servant of equal rank in the house of a master. Each is given a task in the kingdom, and like servants it is our mere duty to carry out these tasks. There is no seeking of accolades or special recognition. We are not to expect anything other than a place in the master's house. That we are serving our master is reward enough for the faithful servant.
As this parable suggests, the seeking of honors and status is a folly of the ego. There is only one master; everyone else is a servant - both are fixed and immutable statuses. Servants may create special ranks among themselves, but at the end of the day they are but servants. We cannot be anything else. The question is whether we accept our duty of serving others in a life of mercy and care, or whether we will pursue illusory vanities.
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