St. Peter had a way with words. In today’s first reading from 1 Peter 1, St. Peter says, “love one another intensely from a pure heart.” Intensely. I love that word. Love one another intensely. Think on that one. In the Gospel reading today from Mark 10, James and John come to Jesus and ask that they be able to sit at his right and his left in his glory.
After a bit of bickering, Jesus tells the Apostles, “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” As disciples of Christ, we are called to imitate Him in service. But what does that really mean?
Too many folks think that they have to join a ministry or go on a mission trip to serve. While those things are very good, they are not the only way to serve. In fact, I would wager that you are doing a pretty darn good job of serving right now. Take a look around you. Have you done anything recently for your spouse, your children, your parents, your siblings? Are you earning a living to provide for your family? Are you donating to your church? Chances are good that you answered yes to one or more of those questions. If so, then you are already being a servant! So don’t sell yourself short! Thank God for giving you the heart of a servant.
Father, we thank you for giving us so many opportunities each day to serve. Teach us to serve You by serving others with a humble heart. Amen.
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