Gospel – Luke 22:24-30
I confer a kingdom on you, just as the Father conferred one on me
A dispute arose between the disciples about which should be reckoned the greatest, but Jesus said to them:
‘Among pagans it is the kings who lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are given the title Benefactor. This must not happen with you. No; the greatest among you must behave as if he were the youngest, the leader as if he were the one who serves. For who is the greater: the one at table or the one who serves? The one at table, surely? Yet here am I among you as one who serves!
‘You are the men who have stood by me faithfully in my trials; and now I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father conferred one on me: you will eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.’
Reflection
‘Love and charity, are service, helping others, serving others. There are many people who spend their lives in this way, in the service of others. …When you forget yourself and think of others, this is love! And with the washing of the feet the Lord teaches us to be servants, and above all, servants as He was a servant to us, for every one of us.’ – Pope Francis
Prayer
God-With-Us, you showed us the true meaning of grace when you became one of us. You showed us the true meaning of love by choosing to serve. Help me to put myself at the service of others, with love and humility, so that I may be worthy of your kingdom.