We are Unprofitable Servants"

Today's Mass Readings

When we read the Gospel reading for today, we might be tempted to equate the master in Jesus’ parable with God. We might conclude that God’s attitude toward us, His servants, is that of the master; that we too should prepare His meal first and wait on God while He eats and drinks. This, however, is not Jesus’ point at all. God’s attitude toward us is already described in the first reading for today from the Book of Wisdom, and in the responsorial psalm, Psalm 34. Grace and mercy are with God’s holy ones, and His care is with them too (Wisdom 3:9). And further, “The Lord has eyes for the just, and ears for their cry….The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:16 and 19). Our God, the one true God, is a God of love and mercy. The implied master in Jesus’ example represents the sinful human masters in Jesus’ audience, and therefore us as well. As masters of servants, some of the members of Jesus’ audience expected those that serve them to wait on them, and only eat once they (the masters) have had their fill. Jesus’ point is that we all (those in positions of authority and those under the authority of others), should be like those obedient servants. The real application of Jesus' example first of all has to do with our relationship with God. We should not expect a reward from God for doing what is right. We have not earned anything. In order to experience the lavish love of the Father who slaughters the fattened calf for His prodigal children, we have to return to Him with contrite hearts, aware that “We are unprofitable servants” (Luke 17:10). Only then can we fully experience the amazing joy of being lifted up as more than mere servants, but exalted daughters and sons of God.

In today’s readings of the merciful God and in Jesus’ example of the master and servants, we might find another challenge as well. All of us who have people under us in the workplace, should feel challenged to treat each other with kindness as respect. To be kind and merciful to those who work under us, with us, and above us just as God has been kind and merciful to us is ineed a tough challenge in today corporate environment.

- Jeff Morrow.