May 11, 2017

Gospel: Jn 13:16-20
When Jesus had washed the disciples‘ feet, he said to them: ”Truly, I say to you, the servant is not greater than his master, nor is the messenger greater than he who sent him. Understand this, and blessed are you, if you put it into practice.
”I am not speaking of you all, because I know the ones I have chosen, and the Scripture has to be fulfilled which says: The one who shares my table will rise up against me. I tell you this now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you may know that I am He.
”Truly, I say to you, whoever welcomes the one I send, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes the One who sent me.”

REFLECTION:
To know one‘s proper place in the scheme of things saves one from a lot of trouble. There would be no confusion of roles. One can align one‘s energies and efforts in a proper way that facilitates seamless completion of the task. Thus Jesus reminds us today of our servanthood. That we are but executors the Master‘s will. If Judas only took this to heart, he would have thought twice in betraying his Master. He could not effect what he wills by forcing the hands of Jesus.
And so Jesus calls us to the blessedness of the wise and faithful servant. The long years spent with Him is no guarantee that the spirit of servanthood will be acquired. It demands more than mere nearness with Him. The heart must be disposed as well.