Posted by The WORD in other words (2022) by Fr Allan Bondoc SVD — Divine Word Seminary, Postulancy, Tagaytay City
Tuesday 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Image source: Wikimedia Commons, Painting by Finnish artist Albert Edelfelt (1854 – 1905) Jesus Washing the Feet of his Disciples (1898)
In the first reading, St. Paul wrote to Titus to remind the Christians of their duties. He speaks about sound doctrine. Or in simple terms, it refers to healthy teachings that help strengthen our faith in God and deepen our love for one another.
The focal point and primary object of Catholic doctrine is God. It should direct us towards God. It is a written faith that needs to be lived out. It teaches us to see and acknowledge God in everything we do, which leads us to be grateful for everything. It teaches us to respond to the call of God to love by reaching out to people with respect and by being charitable and compassionate to them.
When we decided to follow Jesus, we ought to follow his teachings, his doctrine of love and service. We have to emulate his way of life.
Just like in today’s Gospel, Jesus taught us to have an attitude and heart of a servant. He himself claimed that he is a servant because he said he came to serve and not to be served.
Being a servant entails duties and tasks to accomplish. He/she has no right to demand. He/she is expected to follow and fulfill his/her obligations. This is what it means to be a true servant. We should always remind ourselves that we are mere servants. Ready to fulfill whatever God commands us to do.
Just like Jesus, let us fulfill it with a heart full of love. May we become servants who are meek and humble of hearts and not proud and stubborn. Serve as Jesus serves. Serve with joy in our hearts.
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