A Master of Service

The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Jun Peralta SVD – New Zealand

Thursday 4th Week of Easter

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The Maori People have a place called the Marae where they hold the tangi (wake). For three days or so, the family does not do anything else but grieve for their beloved departed. The elders join in too, despite their sickness and old age, in service to this tradition.

When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, it was not for anything in exchange. He simply showed his disciples the true spirit of service and what it was to be a true follower of His. The intention was not for the disciples to be greater than the Master, but for them to imitate, and follow in the footsteps of the Master. The Master’s way is service and humility – more than the kind of service that the Maori people’s elders would do for their departed.

When we are called to follow Christ, we do not become masters. Following Him is the blessing itself. As we imitate Him, we go deeper into the heart of Christ our Master and hopefully one day, through His grace, be one with Him, the Father and the Holy Spirit.