Pastor’s Corner for the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, by Fr. Russell Pollitt SJ
To be a Christian is to serve. In what way is God calling you to serve?
Christian service is an integral aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. At the heart of Christian service is the call to love one’s neighbour as oneself. This commandment in the Gospels (Mk 12:31; Matt 22:39) emphasises the importance of empathy and altruism. Christians are encouraged to look beyond their own needs and desires and to place the needs of others at the forefront. This outward focus helps foster community and support, where individuals unite to uplift those struggling or in need. Whether volunteering at a local soup kitchen, visiting the sick, or offering support to grieving, acts of service provide tangible support and hope to others.
Of course, Jesus himself is the model for Christian service. Acts of compassion and service characterised his life. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is depicted as serving others selflessly, whether by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, or comforting those in distress. His actions exemplify Christians, demonstrating that service to others is a way to live out one’s faith in a meaningful and impactful way. By following in Jesus’s footsteps, we primarily strive to bring love and mercy into the world.
In addition to individual acts of service, many Christian communities organise more extensive outreach programs to address systemic issues such as poverty, homelessness, and inequality. Church communities often play a pivotal role in these efforts, serving as hubs for various charitable initiatives. These collective endeavours show the power of unified action motivated by faith.
Christian service also benefits those who serve. Engaging in acts of service fosters spiritual growth, as individuals learn to embody Jesus’s teachings in their daily lives. It encourages us to develop virtues such as patience, kindness, and humility and to cultivate a deeper understanding of faith through active participation in God’s work on earth.
Our service is a crucial expression of faith, providing practical help to those in need while enriching the spiritual lives of those who serve. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and compassion, illustrating the profound impact that dedicated service can have on individual lives and communities. Through service, we endeavour to create a world that reflects the teachings of Jesus and fosters hope, grace, and peace.
We are continually invited to become aware of the many needs around us and discern how God is calling us to serve. We are, individually and as a community, called to witness to the world by being servants. In what way might God be inviting you to serve at this time in your life?