Today's Gospel in Art - We are merely servants

Heads of Six of Hogarth's Servants, William Hogarth 1750 © Tate Britain, London

Gospel of 12th November 2019 - 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 let's look closer at what the word 'servant' actually means. It is isn't only about being subservient to a master or a boss. No, 'servant' means that we have limits. We have limits as we cannot act without our master; limits in our abilities, limits in our achievements; limits in our talents; limits in 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. To read on see: www.christianart.today/daily-gospel-reading/232