Opening Prayer
O God, who grant us to follow the example of your servant Saint Martin in generous charity and humble service, grant that we may serve you faithfully in our daily tasks and thereby share the reward prepared for the righteous. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Amen.
Readings
First Reading: Wisdom 2:23-3:9
“For God created us to be immortal, he made us as an image of his own nature;… But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them…” Catholic Online+2Bible Gateway+2
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
“I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth… The LORD is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.” Catholic Online
Gospel: Luke 17:7-10
Jesus said to his disciples: “Which of you, having a servant ploughing or keeping sheep, will say to him when he comes in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? … So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say: ‘We are unworthy servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” Catholic Online+2ocarm.org+2
Explanation & Reflection
First Reading (Wisdom 2:23-3:9):
-
This passage reminds us that human beings are created in the image of God for immortality: “For God created us to be immortal, he made us as an image of his own nature.” Bible Gateway+1
-
It also speaks of death entering the world through the devil’s envy. USCCB+1
-
Then it contrasts the destiny of the righteous: even if to others they seem to have died, “they are in peace.” responsorialpsalmcatholic
-
The righteous, tested by God (like gold in a furnace), will shine and live with God forever. Bible Gateway
Reflection for us: -
We are reminded of our dignity (“image of God”) and ultimate destiny (immortality with God) — not just for now, but for eternity.
-
At the same time, the reading doesn’t shy away from suffering and trial: the righteous are tested. But God is with them.
-
For catechumens: you are embarking on the Christian life, being formed and tested (in faith, conversion, practice). This reading encourages perseverance, trust in God’s care, and hope in the promise of life with God.
-
For Catholics: we too face trials, perhaps feel “as though dead” (to the world), yet we are in peace because God is with us; our present sufferings are a preparation for the future glory.
-
Also, the reading likely was chosen because of the memorial of Saint Martin, known for humble service, solidarity with the poor, and detachment from worldly comforts.
Psalm (Psalm 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19):
-
A joyful praise: “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth.”
-
Then a comforting promise: “The LORD is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Reflection: -
We are invited to praise God always—not only when life is easy but in every condition.
-
And we are assured that in our brokenness, in our trials, God is near.
-
For catechumens: as you walk towards baptism, you may face doubts, struggles, yet the Lord is near.
-
For Catholics: remember when you feel discouraged, wounded, that the Lord is close; so respond with praise.
Gospel (Luke 17:7-10):
-
Jesus uses a parable of a servant to illustrate an attitude of service: one who has done all that is required should say: “We are unworthy servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.” ocarm.org+1
-
Commentary notes that the passage addresses complacency, entitlement, and the danger of thinking that God is “in our debt.” Way of Grace Church: Buckeye, AZ
Reflection: -
The key point: our relationship with God is not one of “I have done so much, God owes me,” but rather “I have done what I ought” in gratitude.
-
Service is central: we are called not to be served but to serve, following Christ who “came not to be served but to serve.” ocarm.org
-
For catechumens: as you prepare to enter fully into the Church, know that you are called to serve — not to demand accolades but to respond in humble service.
-
For Catholics: in your daily life (work, family, parish), examine your attitude: do you serve out of love and gratitude, or do you serve expecting something in return? The Gospel invites us to humility.
Application for Today
-
Choose one simple act of service today (at home, work, or in the community). Before doing it, pause and remind yourself: I am doing this because I have been loved by God.
-
Reflect: “Where in my life do I feel that God owes me something? How can I correct that attitude and adopt the posture of the ‘unworthy servant’?”
-
For catechumens: prepare for your initiation (or for your joining of the Christian community) by committing to one habit of service or charity this week — for example, helping someone in need, visiting someone lonely, or offering time to others.
-
For all: in moments of suffering or trial, remind yourself of the first reading: you are in the hand of God; “no torment shall touch them.” Let this bring hope and courage.
Closing Prayer
O God, who in your mercy hear the cry of the humble and support the hearts of the broken-hearted, grant that, refreshed by the Word we have heard and strengthened in service by the Eucharist we celebrate, we may walk ever in the footsteps of Saint Martin, and one day share in the glory of your saints who live with you for ever. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Catechism Reference
-
The dignity of the human person created in God’s image: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1700–1704.
-
Christian service and the attitude of humility: CCC 2447 (“When Christ’s disciples share in the Eucharistic sacrifice, they become what they receive: the Body of Christ”) & CCC 1939 (“The Christian has been given a mission by Christ and his Church. Life as mission means that man is not the sum of what he accomplishes, but the person exists for the sake of the gift…”).
-
Hope in eternal life and the communion of saints: CCC 1020–1023 (on the “communion of saints”).
No comments:
Post a Comment