The Gain of Service! (HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF LENT

Homily for Friday of the 3rd week of Lent

1Peter 4:7b-11; Ps.96; Luke 5:1-11

Theme: The Gain of Service!

In the gospel reading of today, Simon offered Jesus his boat and also helped Jesus set it for the purpose of evangelization. The boat was Simon’s work instrument with which he earned money. But in this encounter with Jesus, Simon is not giving out his boat for economic gain but as charity. It was not the case that Jesus was a friend to Simon before now. Most probably Simon saw Jesus as a religious teacher; and so, he helped just for the sake of God. This is what made his help noble and evangelistic.

The readings of today invite us to purify our intentions underlying our actions. No other intention is as noble as “for the sake of God”. So after Simon had experienced the fruits and benefits of acting only for the sake of God, he asked us in the first reading to use our gifts to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. This means that we should have the consciousness that our gifts are duties assigned us by God, to whom we shall also give account on the last day. So, it’s not all about us; we do not have the allowance to be proud, oppressive, or selfish with the gifts we possess.

Peter asked that we should always have God in mind in everything we do. Having God in mind will enable us to have the right intentions and to always do everything to the best of our abilities. If a business man or a contractor is concerned only about economic gain, he/she will not consider the good of the customer or the people. He/she would not mind selling fake products or working with substandard materials. Such a person will not be serving the society. Jesus wants us to put service as our watchword.

The fact is, when we commit ourselves to serving others, God will be committed to serving us. Simon’s case is a clear testimony. In the midst of his problem of unsuccessful catch throughout the night, he still had the mind to assist Jesus with his boat. Out of frustration, he could have said no to Jesus. But after serving Jesus, without him asking, Jesus attended to his present predicament. Jesus served him beyond his imagination, and also invited him to higher life of service. Beloved, the quality of our lives is dependent on the quality of service we render to others. Do not be deceived; there is no fulfilment in selfishness.