Monday of Holy Week

The way the world looks at service and the way God looks at service is quite different. More often than not, a person who serves according to the ways of the world is more interested only in himself or herself. He or she serves to please the boss, superior or certain persons who would be beneficial to him or her. Once the person has gotten what he or she wanted, or achieved one's goals, the person may start looking elsewhere for power, status, and recognition. Such persons often think that the world is a battlefield, or that it is a dog-eat-dog world, and they could be quite ruthless and would do everything they can to dispose of the competition, or get rid of potential opponents or threats, so that they would remain on course in getting what they want and achieving as much as they can.

In contrast, today's reading paints quite a different picture of being a servant to God. Such a servant does things not to attract attention to himself or herself, but to glorify God, as the reading tells us: "Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights. I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations. He does not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard in the streets. He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame. Faithfully he brings true justice; he will neither waver, nor be crushed..." The reading also reminds us that such a servant is chosen and commissioned by God to perform things which are quite in contrast with the ways of the world: "I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right; I have taken you by the hand and formed you; I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations, 'to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison, and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.'" Where the world tries to keep us blind so that only certain people would prosper and benefit, such a servant is sent to open the eyes of the blind; where the world imprisons, such a servant sets free; and where the world tries to keep things dark and hidden, such a servant brings to light. Ultimately, the purpose and goal of such a servant is to glorify God.

The question we need to ponder is this: which direction are we heading; are we becoming more and more worldly in our lives and serve ourselves, or have we begun to conform more to the ways of God? While we strive to survive and prosper in this world, let us be cautious not to become too attracted to it's lurings, at the expense of our eternal goal.