Monday 11 November 2013

Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - Do you constantly expect thanks and praise for all the good that you do? Will you perform one act today without any expectation whatever?

To read the texts click on the texts: Wis 2:23-3:9; Lk 17:7-10

These verses are exclusive to Luke and contain a parable. In the first part of the parable the disciples are cast in the role of the master through Jesus’ question, “Will any of you who has a servant…” (17:7). No one would expect a master to ask a servant to sit at table and serve him, rather the servant would be expected even after he has come from the field, to get the master’s supper ready and serve the master. Moreover, the servant will not be thanked simply because he has done what was required of him. At the end of the parable and in the relationship with God, the disciples are cast in the roles of servants. They must realise that like the servant of the parable they will also have to do all that is required of them and not expect any thanks because they have only done what was expected of them.

Very few of us regard that we have been given the thanks due to us already in the service that we have been allowed to provide. We wait for further thanks and commendations. It is not only spiritual but also prudent and practical to do what we are doing and expect no thanks at all. If it does come we accept it in all humility, whereas if it does not come we are not disappointed.

3 comments:

  1. First of all we should be thankful to God for giving us an opportunity to serve. Secondly, dear Fr. Errol is not not the same as what you have taught us earlier, OUR ACTION IS OUR REWARD? If someone says thank you, it should be a bonus.

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  2. If we expect to be thanked but are we are disappointed and look upon the recipient of the favour as ill mannered. However if we do not expect any thanks then there are no negative feelings. In the third situation if we are thanked when it is not expected then we feel elated. The last situation is I feel the best one.

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  3. The first sentence should read "I f we expect to be thanked but are NOT we are_____________ mannered." Sorry for the omission.

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