Service is at the heart of life and is also the teacher of our hearts. We learned from our catechism that God made us to know, love and serve Him here on earth and to be happy with Him forever in Heaven. Our understanding of what this really means for us comes from Jesus’s words and example throughout the Gospels.
In the first three Gospels the Last Supper was important for the institution of the Eucharist but it is only in the Gospel of John that the washing of the disciples feet is recorded and in that setting Jesus urges us to do likewise when He says: I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you (John 13 – 15). Their whole body did not need to be washed but only their feet which had been trudging about in the dirt, in contact with the earth.
The surprise for them was that Jesus was doing this seemingly menial task which no doubt also gave them a sense of acceptance. There was no delegation. It was important that He washed their feet so that His gift of service be understood. It was a sacred time.
Indeed Jesus earlier on had accepted the service from Mary of the anointing of His feet with perfumed oil and being wiped dry with her hair. He defended her when challenged as for Him. It was symbolic of His approaching day of burial. This too was a sacred time of His receiving Mary’s gift of service.
When we meet a need in another, without any expectation of reward, our service is that of someone who has freely received and freely gives. It arises from our relationship with God – a contemplative heart – in response to someone who is unique in God’s eyes. Service is born of compassion for another and from the desire to help lessen the suffering of another. It requires us to become aware of the other’s need; to listen attentively and with empathy to what is happening; and, to what the person is asking. This can lead to a co-operative partnership rather than just a transaction. In this way the value of the other is acknowledged and respected.
Jesus often asked the suffering or distressed person what they wanted, as part of His healing ministry when perhaps it seemed obvious to us! We have our learned wisdom and knowledge but we may not be able to offer a solution. We maybe can offer a small act of alleviation; the ‘cup of water’.
Many among us live a life of service through commitment to loved ones in need of constant care and support. Others live a life of service through religious commitment. However we are all called to live out our faith commitment to serve others.
Jesus speaks of how He wishes us to meet others’ needs when He says: You have my Father’s blessing for when I was hungry, you gave me food; when I was thirsty you gave me drink; when I was a stranger you took me into your home; when I was naked, you clothed me; when I was ill you came to my help; when I was in prison, you visited me. Matthew stresses the surprise of both the accursed and the blessed who did not realise they had touched Jesus in the actions to their neighbour – the marginalised and disadvantaged. These have become known as Works of Mercy (physical and spiritual). The seventh of burying the dead was added in the 12th century and in 2015 Pope Francis added an eighth Work of Mercy: Care of our Common Home. More recently he has followed this up with a stronger Apostolic Exhortation, Laudate Deum, (Praise God) on 4 October 2023.
Service is a teacher of the heart in so many different ways. We learn something of who we are:
With God’s strength we can attend to others in our own brokenness; we can learn how best to use the ‘talent’/’talents’ God has given us; how to grow in love, care, compassion, gratitude and patience; our relationship with God grows through prayer. We come to know when Sabbath rest is important for us too. We learn much about how unique each person is and their relationship storyhow God has been with them in the ups and downs of life; their resilience…. We also learn something of creativity and steadfastness from other service givers. Great examples from the Saints too who gave of themselves to Christ and served others by doing and being…
With St Teresa of Avila we can conclude this reflection:
Christ has no body now but yours.
No hands, no feet on earth but yours.
You are the eyes through which He looks Compassion on this world.
Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good.
Yours are the hands with which He blesses the world……
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
Trish Murphy
