IN THE SERVICE OF THE COMMUNITY

 

IN THE SERVICE OF THE COMMUNITY

Any gift or natural talent that we have can be used for good as well as evil. This is why it is crucial that we understand how we place our gifts and talents at the service of the communities to which we belong. The most important thing we need to avoid is a sense of arrogance, superiority, or entitlement because of our knowledge or giftedness. Paul makes it clear that we should present ourselves to the Church for ministry roles and services with humility.

All of us have probably experienced (and may even be guilty of creating the experience for others) having someone—usually a person in authority—use their authority or knowledge to make us feel small and inadequate. This is not the way of Christ, and it is not conducive to the proclamation of the Gospel.

We need to commit to living out the demands of the Gospel in a simple and unpretentious manner. The less attention we draw to ourselves, the better— hence, Francis of Assisi’s desire to call the Order, The Friars Minor. Francis wants Jesus to be the focus of his life so that when people encounter him, they will experience Jesus and be drawn into a deeper relationship with the only One who can give them salvation.

Mary, the saints of the Church, and all the holy men and women embrace the words of John the Baptist as their own, if not as a mantra for their lives: He (Jesus) must increase; I must decrease. Let us do the same. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

---------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS ----------

Do you tend to act with humility and understanding? If not, how can you teach yourself to do so? What grace do you need to grow in humility and love?

Jesus, help me to remove any pride, arrogance, sense of entitlement, or superiority that I may have in my life. Amen.