Unprofitable Servants

Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week of Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop

(Click Here for Readings)

Gospel of Luke 17:7-10

When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants;we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

Today, the United States celebrates Veterans Day.  2014 marks the 100th anniversary of World War I and the 75th Anniversary of World War II.  I thank our fantastic armed forces for keeping our country safe.  They've literally gone through hell and back protecting our liberties and freedoms.

Each year on Veterans Day, I think about my grandfather who served in the Navy during World War II.  He worked as a radio operator on naval air craft.  He was at Pearl Harbor the day of the Japanese invasion.  It was quite a traumatic experience for him. To this day he doesn't talk much about the war.  I think he witnessed a few of his close friends die, and even at the age of 88, silently remembers just how horrific war can be.  Furthermore, my mom believes nearly half of the males in her high school graduating class died during the Vietnam War.  What a tragedy considering America should never have gotten herself involved in the civil war to begin with (...in my humble opinion).

While mediating on today's gospel reading, I think of the veteran as an example of an "unprofitable servant."  The disciplined soldier goes through months and sometimes years of training in preparation for combat.  He never knows when he will be deployed to battle.  When the time comes, he is obedient, ready to serve his country to the best of his ability.  He knows being a regular soldier isn't a very lucrative profession. It involves much sacrifice and time away from family.  Furthermore, he understands he's risking his life going out to a foreign land armed with guns and artillery.  Yet, despite the low pay and risk he takes pride in serving his country.  What's even more special is when a soldier is proud to serve God  as well as our country.  Amen! 

God Bless You, Dear Veterans!  We are proud of you! Thank-you for your dedication and service!

Saint Martin of Tours, Pray for Us!

-J.