Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Lectionary: 290

Remember the word I spoke to you, 'No slave is greater than his master.'
If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
And they will do all these things to you on account of my name,
because they do not know the one who sent me."

Despite the Lord's insistence that he calls us friends rather than servants or slaves, the New Testament and our spiritual traditions seem to have a predilection for the word slave. Saint Paul, introducing himself to the Romans, called himself "a slave of Christ Jesus." A quick AI search gives us the following list:

• Timothy: Identified with Paul as a slave of Christ in Philippians;
• St. Peter Claver: Known as the "Slave of the Slaves," he declared himself a slave to Christ while serving enslaved Africans in Cartagena;
• St. Louis de Montfort: Championed the concept of total consecration, treating oneself as a slave of Jesus and Mary;
• St. Agatha: Specifically used the phrase "slave of Christ" (famula Christi);
• James & Jude: Identified as slaves of God/Christ in their respective epistles;
• Pope St. Pius X: Used the title Servus Servorum Dei (Slave of the Slaves of God);
• Saint Maximillian Kolbe called himself the "Slave of the Immaculate Conception." 
• and I am sure there are countless others. 

Clearly, this is the attitude every Catholic should take as we consider our responsibilities before God. We act as his hands, feet, eyes, and mouth. We study the Word of God that we might what God is saying to the world, and that we might convey the message as his faithful slaves.

We don't make the rules, we might not enforce the rules, but neither can we be silent about them. The majesty of God impels us to speak. And should we dare to ask, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" or "Why can't I do it my way?" we will count ourselves most blessed if He replies, 

Who is this who darkens counsel

with words of ignorance?

Gird up your loins now, like a man;

I will question you, and you tell me the answers!

Where were you when I founded the earth...? (Job 38:1-4)