The Gospel for Tuesday of the 32nd week in ordinary time is taken from Luke 17:10 Jesus said to his 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. Jesus is not only inviting his disciples into a life of service, but he’s trying to point out to them that this is something that is deeply ingrained in each of us. And when we are acting as a servant to others, we do not feel that we are needing to be compensated, but rather we know in the very act of giving there is great joy if we can understand fully that it is you within us that helps us to give generously, consistently and joyfully. Closing Prayer Father, your presence within us is not just another power, but it is the fullness of the power that we are created to share with one another. The power is love, service, care, compassion. Awaken in us that core longing and that core truth so that we can always be generous and not demand anything in return.

And we ask this in Jesus name, Amen.