In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the example of a servant and his master. The servant works in the fields, prepares the meal, and serves his master. After fulfilling all his responsibilities, he does not expect special recognition. He simply says: “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.”

Today, we live in a world where the supremacy of the self seems to reign: I lead, I do, I coordinate, I want to be first. Everyone wants to be the master of their own life, decisions, and possessions. But Jesus invites us to another dimension. If we follow him, we are called to be his servants. He reminds us: “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14).

The Lord reminds us of the precious gift of humility. We are servants of only one Lord, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Everything we do should be done to serve him and give him glory.

At the end of each day, whether we have worked in an office, cared for our families, served our spouses and children, or participated in our Church communities, we should recognize that our talents and responsibilities are gifts entrusted to us by God. We serve not to earn his love or to seek recognition, but because we have already received his grace. Our service is a response of love and gratitude.

This humility must also shape how we exercise authority. Parents are called to serve their families through love and guidance. Leaders must use their authority for the good of others. Those who serve in the Church must build up the community rather than seek personal recognition. Humility does not mean denying our gifts; it means recognizing that everything comes from God.

Jesus himself is our greatest example. As Saint Paul reminds us, he humbled himself, taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient even to death on a Cross (Philippians 2:7–8). He came to fulfill the Father’s will, out of love for the Father and for us. He suffered, died, and rose again. Jesus is the perfect Servant, who teaches us that true greatness is found in giving ourselves for others.

Thank you, Lord, for calling us to serve you. Forgive us when we seek recognition, act out of pride, or use our authority for our own benefit. Grant us the humility to recognize that everything we are and everything we accomplish comes from you. Help us serve with love, generosity, and gratitude.

Lord Jesus, I contemplate you on the Cross, the Servant of the Father who gave himself completely. I recognize myself as your servant, desiring to love you with all my heart and follow your paths. Yet you tell me: “I no longer call you servants; I call you friends” (John 15:15). Thank you for inviting me into your friendship.

Today, let us examine how we exercise authority and serve others. Do we serve because we love the Lord, or because we want recognition? How do we react when our work goes unnoticed? Do we seek the Lord’s guidance before making decisions?

Let us make one concrete commitment to serve someone today without expecting anything in return.

Holy Spirit, grant us the gift of humility. Amen.