Wisdom 2:22-3:9; Psalm 34; Luke 17:7-10
The Wisdom reading is often chosen for funerals, a public reminder that while the death of our loved ones seems a disaster, “they are at peace.” Jesus warns that we, the slaves of God, don’t get too puffed up like the scribes whom he condemned in Sunday’s readings. When we come in from our field work, we can’t expect the master to wait on us. Does the master thank the slave for doing his/her duty? No, Jesus says, we are to say,
“We are unprofitable servants, we have only done what we should have.”
We are always sinful, and so “we are unprofitable servants” is a worthwhile mantra to repeat frequently. Yet Jesus is one who turns expectations inside out. Earlier in this gospel and in John’s, the Master Jesus does indeed wait on us, washing feet, cooking breakfast on the beach. Whether your field work is teaching or typing, volunteering or suffering in bed, see Jesus coming to you and tenderly washing your feet, or feeding you. Let his tenderness wash over you, for “God is close to the brokenhearted and those who are crushed in spirit, God saves” (Ps 34).
Thank you for all your service of us. Let us serve you in your people with all our hearts and energy. Let our prayer serve if our bodies are failing. We trust your power.