The Call to Servant Leadership
Bangon, Oragon!
November 9, 2020
A Grateful Happy Heart
November 11, 2020PITIK-BULAG: The Call to Servant Leadership
Until now, I can clearly hear Tita Glo Enriquez, one of the prison volunteers in Muntinlupa, her first piece of advice on my first day of work in New Bilibid Prison, “Padre, kung gusto mong lumigaya sa buhay-paglilingkod, tandaan mo, huwag kang umasa ng anumang kapalit, bunga at papuri dito. Maging ang salitang salamat. Basta, maglingkod ka lang nang maglingkod. Gawin mo ito at magiging masaya ka sa buhay pagpapari mo.” It’s one of my rule in my ministry. It disposes me to the right disposition in serving others.
Our gospel today is all about the path to genuine service. As disciples of Jesus, we are being invited to follow Him in his kind of service: to be servant ministers or servant leaders. It requires huge loads of humility, love of others, and love of God. It involves a daily practice of self-denial, sacrifice, and joy in serving others. It takes a lot from ourselves to wear the servant’s attitude, and not as a master.
Here are some points for consideration to understand the essence of servant ministers or servant leaders.
1. Serving God is a PRIVILEGE. Being part of Team Jesus is also already grace and privilege itself. Just to be called to join the team is already a reward and honor. Thus, with or without reward or remuneration, we should be honored to serve God by serving others.
2. Serving God requires SELF-DENIAL. We should think more of others and less of ourselves. We should wear the attitude of a slave, to serve the Master is enough for us.
3. In serving God and others, EXPECT NOTHING IN RETURN. Don’t expect any reward or any returns. The honor and praises should be given to the Master. Never be disappointed by people’s ungratefulness or lack of appreciation for anything you do. As a servant, serve others out of love and duty, and not to seek appreciation and reward. Expect nothing including the word thank you.
4. Service out of GREAT GRATITUDE to the Lord. The slave is grateful to the Master for giving him home, food, and shelter. To live in His master’s comfort and security is already a huge reward. Thus, out of his great gratitude, the slave is more than willing to do anything for his master. This is also our status in front of God’s goodness to us. His goodness is overflowing. We don’t deserve the countless blessings we receive from Him, yet the Lord disposes of all his graces to us without expecting anything in return from us. Thus, in return, I willingly submit myself to him at his disposal.
“We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!” (Luke 17:10).
5. Our Lord sets an example as SERVANT LEADERS. The Lord washed the feet of the disciples. He embraced our punishment and died on the cross for us. Our God the Father continues to recreate the World for us. He sustains us through His creation. He is a servant Father. The Holy Spirit remains in our midst, guiding us in our daily decisions and healing our wounded hearts. God is everywhere. Working for us silently. Expecting nothing from us. Demanding nothing.
Thus, we are being invited to imitate them. To become a servant of all.
As a servant of God, we may not gain praise and reward from our hard work and good service, but deep down in our hearts, we can feel peace. We can hear God telling us, “This is my beloved child, whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17).
– Fr. Wilfredo M. Samson, SJ
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November 10, 2020 – Tuesday
Gospel Reading: Luke 17: 7-10
