Guided towards our true purpose.- Lk 17:7-10 Jesus said to the Apostles:“Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’?

Would he not rather say to him,‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you.

When you have done all you have been commanded, say,‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

How are we Guided towards our true purpose?

In this passage, Jesus speaks to His Apostles, using the imagery of a servant returning from a long day of work in the fields. He asks, “Who among you would say to your servant, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’?”

The answer is clear: the Master doesn’t treat the servant this way. Instead, the Master expects the servant to continue working and preparing the meal, and only after the Master has finished eating will the servant be allowed to partake.

At first glance, this seems to paint a harsh picture of servitude, but we need to remember the context in which Jesus spoke.

To His audience, these notions of servant-hood made sense. Jesus intended to remind them – and us – that we are not the masters in our relationship with God. God alone holds that role, and viewing ourselves as His servants can help us understand our place in this divine hierarchy.

The commands we receive from God may sometimes feel overwhelming, but they are not arbitrary rules meant to bind us. They come from a place of perfect love, guiding us towards our true purpose.

God’s order helps us find direction in our lives, and it requires our full attention and obedience, not out of mere obligation but out of a loving relationship.

We can look to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as an example of perfect obedience. When the angel Gabriel commanded her to conceive and bear a son, she didn’t waver.

She responded wholeheartedly, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Her acceptance shows us that true servitude to God is an act of love, not drudgery.

Reflect

When honouring God’s commands, we shouldn’t consider doing Him a favour or going the extra mile.

We’re going beyond what we’re obligated to do. Instead, we should recognize ourselves as servants of the greatest Master, understanding His commands are the blueprints for our fulfilment.

As you ponder your relationship with God’s will, consider whether you see your servitude as a burden or an honour.

Our divine Master is not cruel; He loves and wants what’s best for us. Reflect on your own need for such guidance in your life. Pray for the grace to surrender control to God, trusting in His plans for you.

Prayer

My Lord and Master, I recognize Your commands which are rooted in love. Following Your will lead fulfills my life. With the example of Your Blessed Mother before me, I aim to obey joyfully and fully. Help me to remember that serving You is a privilege, not a burden. Jesus, I love and trust in You.

ADAPTED FROM SOURCE: