Gospel in Art: We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty

The Servant, by Yongsung Kim. Painted in 2016 © 2022, Yongsung Kim Art

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 8 November 2022
Luke 17:7-10

Jesus said to his disciples: 'Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding sheep, would say to him when he returned from the fields, "Come and have your meal immediately"? Would he not be more likely to say, "Get my supper laid; make yourself tidy and wait on me while I eat and drink. You can eat and drink yourself afterwards"? Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told? So with you: when you have done all you have been told to do, say, "We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty."

Reflection on the painting

What a huge dose of realism today's Gospel reading brings. Jesus suggests that we are 'merely servants'. It sounds rather harsh to tell us that, but what does it actually mean? It isn't only about being subservient to a master or a boss. No, 'servant' means that we have limits. We have limits because we cannot act without our master: limits to our abilities, limits to our achievements, limits to our talents, limits to our generosity… because we are human. It is only when we understand that we are limited and seek to go beyond these limits that we can find God.

So this reading is not about Jesus wanting to enslave us or putting us in our place. It is a direct call to humility. It is an invitation for us to be aware of our limits - and having limits is fine. We actually should treasure these limits, as because of them, we are prompted to seek God. Each time we reach our limits whether physically, mentally, or emotionally, it can be a direct invitation to grow closer to Our Master, Our Good Lord.

Our painting titled The Servant by Korean Christian artist Yongsung Kim depicts Jesus Christ washing the feet of His disciples. Jesus showed us how to serve, by example. He first served us, so that we can serve Him.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/

Today's reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-17-7-10-2022/