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Vocation Meditation -
October 30, 2011
“The greatest among you will be your servant”
If we to look for one expression that perfectly expresses the call to follow Christ, it is: ‘humble service.’ In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to both the crowds and his disciples that in whatever role we may be called to live our lives, we must avoid using authority over other others in the manner of the self-serving Pharisees.
Discipleship with Jesus is not about building my kingdom, but about giving my whole life, my energy and talents in service of the reign of God and God’s people, especially the poor. In doing so we will discover that we too are poor and in always need of God. This is the disposition that will allow God’s Spirit to transform us into a true disciple and one in whom God can and will do great things.
Reflection: A vocation to serve Christ means gradually emptying out of my old self and letting Christ fill me with the newness of His own creative and loving self. In this way, I will mirror God’s loving spirit in all that I do for others. In discerning a possible call from Christ to be a priest or a religious sister or brother, do I find anything blocking me from being ready to give myself humbly to God in the service of others?
Prayer: Jesus, my Shepherd and guide, be with me as I continue to discern where you are calling me in my life. Today I offer you my whole self that you may transform me gradually into your kind of servant. Amen.
For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.