During Lent, we have heard at Mass the Gospel in which Jesus admonishes His distinction-seeking apostles: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant…; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mt. 20:25–28).
Soon, on Palm Sunday, He will enter Jerusalem on a donkey: “To the Jews and others in the East, the donkey was a beast of burden; people of rank rode beautiful, celebrated Arabian horses. For His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Christ chose to mount a donkey; and in doing so, without words He again proclaimed Himself a servant of the people” (1).
At the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, before He gives Himself in the Holy Eucharist, He washes the feet of the apostles. “You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (Jn. 13:13–14). Love serves.
Service in the family may seem centuries and miles apart from Christ’s, but it isn’t. Each mystery of His life is present to us yet today. Offered in union with His, service in the married vocation may mean driving a larger but less showy vehicle than “the Joneses.” Such transportation isn’t a donkey, but it can mean the same: I am here to serve. Service in the family isn’t just washing feet, but washing dishes and changing diapers and answering one more question—all in Christ’s footsteps. “For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you” (Jn. 13:15). Simple service in accord with God’s will for you has great value and dignity. The King of Kings has trod this way.
1. Season of Mercy: Lent and Easter with Catherine Doherty, p. 73; Madonna House Publications, Combermere, ON K0J 1L0 Canada.
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