Tues., Nov. 10: Wis 2:23–3:9; Luke 17:7-10

Leo the Great, pope, doctor of the church

As gold in the furnace he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. A friend once observed, regarding the Christian life, “The working conditions can sometimes be appalling, but the retirement benefits are awesome.” Today’s rather sobering Gospel passage reminds us that we can never put the Lord in our debt by doing more than God deserves. When prayerful discernment shows us that our duty requires a difficult, even dangerous task, faith assures us that we will receive the necessary grace. Not only that, we can be certain that God cannot be outdone in generosity. Even for doing “only” what we are obliged to do; we will be rewarded beyond our wildest hopes and dreams.

*Lord, thank you for calling me to your service. Use me according to your will.