A simple reflection on Luke 17:7–10, reminding us that every gift is from God and true Christian life is serving with humility and gratitude. ( 11-11-25)
Praise be to Jesus Christ
A little girl once helped her father in the garden. She carried a small bucket of water and poured it near the plants. When they finished, the father smiled and said, “Thank you for helping.” The girl looked surprised and said, “But you did everything, Dad, I only poured a little water.” The father replied, “Yes, but you did what you could.”
That small scene says much about today’s Gospel. Jesus tells us, “When you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” These words are simple, yet they go straight to the heart of Christian life.
The world teaches us to seek praise. But Jesus teaches us to serve with humility. The word “unworthy” is not meant to shame us. It reminds us that everything we have and everything we do is God’s gift. Our life, our voice, our talents, our family, our opportunities, none of these are truly ours. They are entrusted to us by a loving God.
If we think deeply, we realise how little we can claim as our own. Why was one person born into a rich family and another into a poor one? Why did one receive good health and another weakness? We do not know. It is all grace. And grace does not make us proud; it makes us grateful.
A true Christian heart serves out of love, not for applause. In our homes, so much quiet service happens every day. A mother wakes early to prepare breakfast. A father bears pain silently to keep the family safe. Children help without being noticed. When they do all this without complaint, they are living this Gospel word by word.
In our religious communities too, many hidden works go unseen; sweeping the corridor, washing the chapel linens, helping the sick, praying at night for others. No one may thank us, but heaven sees. These are the acts that make us Christ-like, because Jesus Himself lived as a servant. He washed the feet of His disciples and carried the cross without demanding gratitude.
When we realise that all we have is a gift, our attitude changes. We stop asking, “What do I get in return?” and start saying, “Lord, thank You for letting me serve.” A grateful heart does not compare or complain. It simply loves.
Saint Therese of Lisieux once said, “To pick up a pin for love can convert a soul.” She meant that even the smallest duty done with a pure heart has eternal value. God measures love, not greatness.
So let this be our attitude every day: I am an unworthy servant. I have only done what was my duty. There is no room for pride here, only gratitude. Gratitude makes service light. It turns ordinary tasks into silent prayers.
When our life ends and we stand before God, may we not boast of our work, but smile and say, “Lord, everything was Yours already. I only did my part.” And surely, the Master who sees the heart will whisper, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Lord Jesus, teach me to serve with a humble and grateful heart. Amen.
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God Bless…
Thank you for your enriching homily. Very meaningful and helpful 👍
Thank you for your message which helps me to know the greatness of God,, Thank you Fr, Nirmal Mary SAB