Ministrare | Serve

"For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many." - (Mark 10:45)

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Reflecting on Jesus' Words in Mark 10, only days before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  He attempted to teach His closest followers on what it means to be servant leaders, even though these disciples had followed the Lord and witnessed numerous miracles in His three short years of ministry in Judea. His ministry included miraculous feeding of the multitudes, miraculous catch of fish, the raising of Lazarus from death, freeing of the demon-possessed young man, healing of the sick, opening the eyes of the blind, causing the lame to walk and much more. All these were pointing to Jesus as the Messiah whom the prophet Isaiah was writing about in Isaiah 61. Yet, the disciples' finite human minds were still focused on temporal things on earth such as who would sit with Jesus at the place of honour. This is almost akin to how the Pharisees too were always seen in prominent positions in Jewish society. The Lord reminded them that even He Himself, Who was God's Son came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.

As I reflected on Jesus' teaching here, I'm reminded of the times I too had acted like the disciples, wanted the limelight in ministry, and placed myself in the throne of my heart instead of enthroning Jesus as the Lord of my heart.

I will close my sharing with this beautiful hymn by Maranatha Singers:  Make Me A Servant

Make me a servant

Humble and meek

Lord let me lift up

Those who are weak

And may the prayer

Of my heart always be

Make me a servant

Make me a servant

Make me a servant today

Make me a servant

Humble and meek

Lord let me lift up

Those who are weak

And may the prayer

Of my heart always be

Make me a servant

Make me a servant

Make me a servant today

Make me a servant

Humble and meek

Lord let me lift up

Those who are weak

And may the prayer

Of my heart always be

Make me a servant

Make me a servant

Make me a servant today

Of my heart always be

Make me a servant

Make me a servant

Make me a servant today 

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/r6U8O_WnPZY 

Source: LyricFind 

Songwriters: Kelly Faye Willard Make Me a Servant lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group

Reflection on Mark 10:32-45 by Chris Tan

Opus Bonum | A Noble Task

"Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task." — 1 Tim 3: 1 (NIV) 

We are all aware what is happening in our world nowadays. Often, our human’s tendency is not to be satisfied with what God has given us. To be famous or to be in high position is our human desire. Sometimes because of our needs, we neglect of what become of our first priority. We tend to forget the source of our lives, Jesus Christ.

In the first section of this letter to Timothy, Paul reminds the leaders of the church that the requirement for a leader is - not necessarily to be married or to have children - about being a faithful and capable leader of the church. To be a leader is to serve. We are called to live a life of service for others even though the results are not recognized or noticed. 

In this way, we learn from a holy man of God, St. Joseph. Tomorrow the Catholic Church will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph the husband of Mary. Let me quote the message of Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde: “Each of us can discover in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence – an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble. Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation”.

In our simple way, we can contribute something for the church and the society. We have roles to play. Let us then imitate the life of St. Joseph, patron of the universal church.

                                                                                                                        

Reflection on 1 Timothy 3:1-16 by Sr. Imelda, MSBS

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Pasce populum tuum (Mich. 7:14)

All of us need a leader, a teacher, a person who will introduce us to the world. On our own, we failed so many times, made the wrong decisions, got into trouble. When we are children, it is enough to learn from our parents and teachers. However, while we grow up, we see that not all people can be trusted. Even sometimes we stop to trust ourselves. 

For that reason, we need a special leader who is our Lord, Jesus Christ. Only he can lead us to the green pastures and to the forests with meadowland where we find rest and peace. Because of our bad experiences and other difficulties, we can live like in a prison. Perhaps we have the freedom and do what we want, but deep inside we feel imprisoned and captured by the power of darkness. If we realize this fact, we are able to look for a light who is our Lord, Jesus Christ. Only he can grant us to see wonders. 

Jesus has the power to change the circumstances, but he can do much more. He lets us come out of our inner prison. He makes us live as free people, men, and women, and rejoice in the Holy Spirit. No one else can take fault away nor pardon crime. Only our Lord does not cherish anger forever but delights in showing mercy. Therefore, we ask Jesus to have pity on us once more. We pray him to throw our sins to the bottom of the sea. 

Let us pray: Please, Jesus, grant us your faithfulness and mercy. We would like to praise you and worship you as free children of God. We acknowledge you as our Leader, and Teacher and Master. In the same Spirit, we choose you as our Lord now and forever and ever. Amen.  

By Fr. Jozef Trzebuniak, SVD.