Here I am, Lord; I Come to Do Your Will"

Today's Mass Readings

Inasmuch as he came expressly to do God’s will on earth, and althoug he was the Son of God, Jesus serves as a powerful model for us ordinary human beings. Although his life involved many pains and sorrows, Jesus never failed in incessant prayer nor in doing many good works (including miracles) out of his great love for God and for God’s people. This faithfulness of Jesus, even unto his death on the cross, is a beautiful illustration for Christians, that is, we who are called to imitate Christ. In today’s gospel reading, we find another model of faithfulness. Luke describes the faithful servants who are prepared for their master’s return and await him eagerly, even in the night. These servants are rewarded by the master. In telling this story, Jesus not only provides a model, but describes the benefits of faithfulness: a spot at the master’s table. In our own lives, we must strive to be faithful like Christ, to discern God’s will and to do God’s will despite the cost to us.

Let us say along with the psalm response, “Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will.” And yet, let us keep in mind that in all the prayer and good works we accomplish, we do not merit our own salvation. Jesus is not merely a powerful model. Instead, as the first reading tells us, it is through Jesus’ obedience, that many are made righteous. Although we often fail at doing God’s will, God’s grace is there for us, and our eternal life is through Christ Jesus, our Savior and our Lord.

Let us strive to do God’s will, then, in a spirit of humility, recognizing how much we have to offer and yet also… how much more Jesus offers on our behalf.