Today’s readings remind us of the dignity to which we are called, particularly the dignity of servanthood.  Servanthood is indispensable to our Christian faith.  Sadly, many of us resist the servant model. We prefer to follow the voices that tell us to lean in and be true to yourself, gathering all the accolades and praise you can.  

Our Lord showed us the way of the servant throughout his earthly ministry.  If we are to follow him, it must become our way, too.  Even leaders must embrace service if they hope to be truly great.  Much true greatness is hidden in this world under the disguise of servanthood.      

The first reading from Titus encourages the practice of dignity and self-control in both word and deed.  It is fascinating that the women are encouraged to teach and train the younger women how to love their husbands and children.  Do the younger ones need to learn how to love?  Perhaps so, especially when husbands and children are not so good at that self-control thing!

Women are uniquely influential in nurturing a culture fit for human thriving.  My mother was influential in this way.  We lost her this past year at age 98.  She had a generous heart that served others joyfully, even when gratitude and appreciation were not reciprocated. No work was beneath her.  She worked at the farm, the garden, the church, and in the home – wherever help was needed. She volunteered to help sick children at our local hospital. She often mended clothing or crocheted blankets in the evenings when her other work was completed. 

A life of serving may not seem significant when we are caught up in all our ambitious clamoring, but its impact tells another tale.  Evidence of her training can be found in my sisters who continue her good example in their families, and even in my brothers and me who, by the grace of God, managed to marry women remarkably like our mother.  We do well to learn to recognize the gifts of those who serve among us, which we are prone to overlook.

In today’s gospel, our Lord illustrates that the habit of serving depends on commitment, not accolades or even gratitude.  Perhaps this is what the letter to Titus was getting at through identifying the need for training.  When the going gets tough – and it will – sometimes we simply must keep loving and serving.  Grace comes to us in those times, saving us from godless behavior and allowing us to persevere toward the hope of our salvation, following our Lord who indeed “gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.”   

Lord, please help us to be eager to do what is good, to serve willingly and joyfully. Give us eyes to recognize true greatness in our midst in the form of servanthood and help us to express gratitude for their gifts.  Thanks be to God.