Homily for 8 Nov 2016

8 Nov 2016

God is always trying to nudge us to be more like him, and less like the world.  And Jesus does that sometimes by putting words into our mouth.  He does that when he gives us the words to the Our Father.  He does it today when he says: “When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”  And, by doing that, he’s trying to change our mindset—to be more like his, and less like the world.

After all, the world would say: “We are profitable servants, now give us what is our due.”  And that’s necessarily bad; I mean, that’s how people earn a living.  But when it comes to God and salvation, God doesn’t owe us anything.  Even if we work our tail off for God, doing good works, praying, volunteering, God doesn’t owe us anything.  “We are unprofitable servants,” we do God’s work expecting nothing in return. 

Of course, that only makes us realize (again) how gracious and generous our God really is to us.  He doesn’t owe us anything, and yet, he gives us—without charge—everything we need.  He forgives us.  He offers us a path to life.  He gives joy to us.  He gives us neighbors and friends, the Church, the sacraments, Scripture, guidance, compassion, correction, and a firm hand when it’s needed.  God gives us everything we need, even though we are “unprofitable servants.” 

And what else can our response be but to be grateful, to give thanks for God’s good grace, to worship and adore God in that totally free gift of himself, the Eucharist.  What else can our response be but to take on the mind of Christ and worship and live . . . with gratitude.