Humble service

The story is told about a father who told his son: “I would like to ask for forgiveness from you for those times I locked you up in the bathroom whenever you misbehaved when you were young.” The son replied: “Dad, I also would like to ask for forgiveness from you for the times I used your toothbrush to clean the toilet bowl whenever you locked me up in the bathroom.”

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In today’s Gospel (Mark 9: 30-37) Jesus tells the disciples: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all, and the servant of all.” Humility and service are the keys to a peaceful and meaningful life. Ask yourself today: What is my humility level? How is my service record in life?

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Without humility, there can be no reconciliation and healing. First of all, let us be humble to God. We have nothing to be proud of before God. God owes us nothing. We owe Him everything. Our so-called worldly “achievements” are nothing compared to the blessings He has given to us.

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I shake my head in disbelief and sadness, when I encounter people who are so full of themselves, and who question, belittle, and even deride the presence of God. Let us bow and say to ourselves today: Be not proud; there is a God, and I’m not Him.

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“Me first!” This seems to be the motto and mindset of so many people these days. Be it in driving, in lining up, in school, in the office, even in church, there is this constant deep desire to be the first, the brightest, the richest, the most righteous, and the most entitled. Learn these three very important steps in life: Stop; step back; step aside.

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Travel light. This applies not only to the material load in our journey, but to the emotional and spiritual load as well. If we have humility, we can let go of our hurts, our pride, our worries, and anxieties. Let go, and let God. BTS. Believe, Trust, Surrender.

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Be good to yourself. Don’t carry excess and unnecessary baggage in your heart. Forgive now, reach out now; share now; smile now; confess now, not tomorrow, not when you are already sick or dying. By the power of the Holy Spirit, allow yourself to be freed from your prisons and poisons, real or imagined.

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Someone once said, that service is the rent we pay for our stay on this earth. Believe it or not, there are people who do not pay rent at all, and who even collect rent from others, and somehow get away with it. Many so-called public “servants” are doing just that: They give a little “service” and keep millions in their pocket. May we have no regrets in the end that we missed the opportunity, the privilege, the chance in a lifetime to serve and help others especially the lost, the last, and the least.

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“When you run alone, it is called race; when you run with God, it is called grace.” Let us not forget God in our journey. Let us not leave Him behind. Lest, we forget: We came from Him, and we will go back to Him at the end.

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Remember that we travel life’s road not alone. We have companions along the way. Let us learn to be mindful, respectful, and helpful to our fellow travelers. The whole journey is not about speed, comfort, and convenience. If you travel alone and fast, you may end up empty, shallow, proud, and lonely deep inside. Love people, not things. Share your blessings.

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St. Padre Pio, whose feast we celebrate tomorrow, reminds us: “Reflect upon and keep before your mental gaze, the great humility of the Mother of God, our Mother. The more she was filled with heavenly gifts, the more deeply she humbled herself.” Mama Mary and Padre Pio teach us humble service as we journey on.

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Think about this: If the ride in your car is bouncy, do these two things: lower the pressure of the tire, and increase the load. Same in life: If you want a serene journey, decrease your pride, and increase your love.

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Sept. 28 is the Feast of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, our first Filipino saint. Let us ask Him to help us and our beloved country, the Philippines. So much violence and corruption these days. Yet, we must continue to pray, hope and not be dismayed. “Do not let your soul be troubled at the sad spectacle of human injustice; even this has its value in the economy of events.” (St. Padre Pio)

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A moment with the Lord.

Lord, help us to live a life that is humble and helpful. Amen.

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