1st Reading: Acts 13:13-25; Psalm: 89. R. v. 2a; Gospel: Jn 13:16-20

THE SERVANT MASTER

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

When we think of God becoming man, it sounds so simple. But when we reflect deeply on this, we would discover that it was the most humiliating choice God had to make in order to save us. What could be more debasing for a creator to become like his own creature? And as if that wasn’t enough, he chose to be born in a stinky place and brought up in a poor home. Also, he lived like a wanderer, slept on the streets and depended on people’s generosity to feed. Jesus did all these in service to humanity and for the sake of our salvation.

In today’s gospel, Jesus also did the unthinkable. Again, for any scripture reader, we may not see how shocking an action it was. But to a Jew of his time, for one to stoop so low to wash another’s feet is one of the most debasing responsibility of a slave. It is unthinkable for someone called master to do such honour to his subjects or slaves. Yet Jesus lowered himself the more to show his disciples how to serve not minding that he was still God. What could be more telling a way to be a servant to others?

Do we really understand what service mean? Maybe we should reflect again on the personality of Jesus. Service takes away our dignity and importance because we must go lower than those we serve. We would have to begin by coming down to their level and then stooping down even lower to serve them. It is only then that we can be qualified to be called a servant. For a true servant, nothing is more important than those they serve. A true servant is ready to give everything to be at the service of others. If parents and all leaders understand this, what a beautiful world we would have.  

 PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, give us the courage, humility and disposition to serve one another. Amen.