Gospel of the Day
From the Gospel according to Luke 17:7-10
Jesus said to the Apostles:
“Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’?
Would he not rather say to him,
‘Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished’?
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.'”
The Gospel of the Lord
Thank You, Lord, because once again You put us in our place and show us the path to true happiness.
Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Martin of Tours, whose life is a true example for us. He refused to take part in a final battle that would have earned him military distinction and promotion. Instead of seeking recognition and glory, he chose to become a soldier of Christ, leaving those “honours” to the world. Saint Martin knew what truly mattered.
How often do we feel entitled to a reward for something we’ve done, or seek gratification for simply doing our duty?
In this Gospel, the Lord makes it very clear that we were born to serve, not to be recognised.
Jesus Himself, being God, chose to lead by example — and there are countless moments in Scripture where He humbled Himself, taking the lowest place, placing Himself beneath all others.
As husbands and wives, we are called to do the same: to serve humbly, in silence, in hidden ways, giving all the glory to God.
James: Good morning, my love! What did you think of the coffee this morning? I tried a new way of making it.
Margaret: Now that you mention it, it was delicious! I’m really sorry, James — I realise I often forget to thank you for all the little loving things you do for me and for our family.
James: Better that way, Margaret. If you praised me for everything, my pride would shoot through the roof! I’d rather those “rewards” stay tucked away as little treasures in Heaven.
Margaret: Well, I have to admit, I sometimes get a bit upset when no one notices or appreciates what I do for you or for the children — I even end up getting cross. But the Lord keeps showing me that, in those moments, I’m really just seeking myself and not Him. When I stop thinking about me and offer that small act of service to Jesus in silence, something changes — I feel closer to Him, and a deep joy fills my heart.
James: That’s true… I feel the same. What a difference there is between doing things for ourselves and doing them for the Lord, through our spouse. I can’t stop thanking the Lord for showing us once again the way to true happiness.
Help us to become small and unimportant,
so that the Lord may shine instead of us.
May the Lord be blessed forever!