Jesus was training his Apostles in today’s gospel to serve him, in preparation for their mission ahead. There would be no rewards for what they would do, and he wanted them to know upfront, what they were facing. He used the example of one of their servants waiting on them at table, after plowing the fields or tending the sheep. However, very few of us can relate to being a slave or a servant in modern times, except for those in the hospitality industry. Even then, most waiters, waitresses and other service workers are paid for their work.
It is our natural inclination to be paid or compensated for what we do. Even then though, we should strive to serve the Lord by the quality of our work. We work for our employers and those we serve for sure, but we also work for the Lord Jesus in all the small business transactions we are involved in throughout the day. Little things matter. Jesus spoke of something small in today’s gospel, by the manner in which a servant should serve.
Have you ever witnessed someone who performed a menial job in an outstanding manner? For an example, maybe a janitor who was carefully mopping the floor, or cleaning up trash at a business. Or perhaps a receptionist, doorman, bus driver or parking lot attendant who is extraordinarily pleasant and helpful each time you encounter them? If so, have you ever complimented them on their work?
How many people walk past someone cleaning up a public place and take their work for granted? It can really make their day to notice them, and compliment them on how good of a job they are doing. It is encouraging for them, that others appreciate their efforts.
The same is true with those who check us out at the grocery store, or in other retail stores. Do we hand them our money without ever looking them in the eyes or acknowledging them as a fellow human being? Try looking the cashier in the eye when you pay for your things, next time you go to the store, and perhaps say a word or two to them. It recognizes their worth and dignity as human beings and you can see the change take place in their eyes, when you do this.
We work every day and do not expect praise or thanks, but it doesn’t hurt to do so, in our every day encounters with others. A better world is built in the very small moments of the day. A small kindness can change the direction of the entire day, but the opposite can also be true. When someone has a bad day, it can cause a ripple effect for many other people too.
There was a story in the news recently about a man who stopped for coffee in a local coffee shop every day on his way to work. One day, he had just gotten a raise and decided to buy a cup of coffee for the person in line behind him. That person in line did the same thing for the next person behind them. It caught on, and people kept buying each other’s coffee for eleven consecutive hours. It was so unusual that it made the headlines in the evening news. This man’s one small act of kindness was magnified until it improved the day of hundreds of other people.
In the first reading for Mass today, Saint Paul wrote a letter to Titus explaining how men and women should behave and train their children to be good Christians. Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to also let our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews see us being courteous and kind to strangers in public places too. Who knows? Maybe this kind of behavior might catch on and spread, like it did with the man in the coffee shop who showed a small kindness to a stranger behind him in line. Maybe our world can be made a better place to live in, one small action at a time, starting – today.
Daily Mass Readings:
Titus 2: 1-8, 11-14 / Psalm 37 / Luke 17: 7-10
