Eighth Wednesday of Ordinary Time

You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, 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.

We are all called to be servants. However, to be the best servants we need to know and love the people we are serving. This is what Jesus did for those whom he met. He listened to those he served. He was sympathetic and compassionate toward them. He loved them, especially those who were most difficult to love. He was merciful toward those most in need of mercy. He sacrificed himself for the good of others. He became the slave of all to set them free from their ignorance, sufferings, and attachment to sin. Just as he did all these things, so must we. If we wish to follow in his footsteps and receive the gift of eternal life, then we must live our lives not to be served, but to serve. We must be willing to ransom ourselves for the many. This is where true greatness comes from: the imitation of Christ.

Are we willing to be servants of God and His children, even those whom we find most difficult to serve? Are we willing to sacrifice everything, including our lives, to know, love, and serve others? Are we truly willing to lead the Christ-like life?

O Lord, we are your slaves. Make our every thought, word, and work a ransom for many.

Amen.