Called to Servanthood (Even if We Don’t Relate)

By Sister Ruth Ksycki, OSB

Several weeks ago I read this reflection by Mary McClone, CSJ:

"Most average people in the U.S. don't think of themselves as having servants. That's because it's easy to forget about the grocery store clerks and the janitors, not to mention the workers who harvest our strawberries and fill our potholes on our roads. We have lots of servants, but since we don't often hire them directly, we rarely take note of them.

“Jesus thought a fair amount about servants and how he was called to be one.” 

As I thought about it, 2 questions occurred to me. They might help us understand what Jesus meant by being called to be a servant.   

First, what servants bring the food to your table each day? 

It is not just the people at the grocery store. If you go deep enough you will ultimately end up with a gift of God. You will be amazed at how many people it takes to bring food to your table.    

Second, in what ways are you a servant to others in the course of your day?

Think of those you visit, e.g. your children, a nursing home resident, a workmate, a food pantry guest. Think of the daily things you do in your own home.

If we look at the life of Jesus, we will see that the call to be a servant involves not only the doing of things for others, but also of being served by others.  

We are called each day to be servants who share the gifts God gives us, and to receive graciously and gratefully the gifts of service we receive.  

May our lives be examples of what Jesus meant by "being the servant of all."

Sister Ruth serves as Oblate Director for the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery. This article was adapted from one she wrote for the Oblates. Learn more!