Homily: Memorial of St. Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr (13th Sacerdotal Ordination Anniversary)
Luke 17:7-10
12 November 2024
Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez
I think all of us will agree that our initial impression of the master in our gospel passage is harsh and ungrateful for what his servant has done for him. However, I invite you to consider the deeper perspective. Sometimes, when we are quick to judge and are overcome by emotions, we tend to misinterpret the intentions of people. Thus, let us take some time today to unpack Jesus’ story.
I believe that the lesson Jesus is trying to teach is found in the last verse of the passage: “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.’” (Luke 17:10) In other words, if we just meet our obligations and do the bare minimum, we aren’t doing enough. It can be tempting to pat ourselves on the back or even look for acknowledgement from others when we have met our obligations in the context of a very secular society. Just meeting our obligations is nothing extraordinary though; it is the extra-ordinary that we should strive for in our service to God and others.
For those of us from the earlier generations (the boomers and gen-Xers) the Catholic obligations seemed more predominant as we were growing up. These obligations included abstinence from meat on Fridays, Mass on Sundays and holy days, fasting from midnight until the reception of the Eucharist, fasting during Lent, etc. Since the Second Vatican Council, the mandatory obligations have become fewer, with the expectation that each of us has to make our own personal choices for sacrifices and service that express our love for God. Superficially, it seems that things have become more lax, but in reality it has become more challenging because we have to take more personal responsibility. We each have to discern what it is that God is calling us to do to serve Him and those around us. It is not an easy task sometimes because things are not laid out for us in black and white. At other times, it could also be frightening because we may be asked to do something beyond our comfort zones.
We may think, we have to go out of our way to do something impressive and large scale like head the PPC or organize donation drives for the victims of calamities. But really, there is much we can do in our immediate environments. An example of this is when we show respect for God’s creation; it is not enough that we refrain from throwing candy wrappers on the streets. Consider, a lifestyle change of avoiding the patronage of products packaged in single use plastics to lessen the volume of waste. We also do not need to look too far to serve God’s people. We are already living in the digital age and many senior citizens have difficulty navigating their way through all the computerized processes of banks and government offices. For the young — it is not enough that you… that we help our parents or our lolo and lola to figure out the TV remote control, perhaps prepare them a snack and sit with them for a bit and watch shows together. If they need help with the internet or their phone, instead of impatiently shouting out instructions to them; we need to sit with them and show them how to work around the app or the website. It’s all about doing more than the minimum. Again, this is in imitation of our patient and generous God who has no limit on His kindness, generosity and mercy towards His people.
As I commemorate on this day my 13th Sacerdotal Ordination Anniversary, my prayer is that I may always have the resolve to go beyond mere obligations of being a priest — of being a Christian. As a reminder, I always carry with me a dedication from one of the cards I received at my ordination — “You will be ordained many times over in the years to come by the very people you would be called to serve.” Pray with me that I may always seek to serve the Lord and others in all that I am called to do to the best of my abilities. So, help me God!
Sunday Gospel Reflections 