Scripture:

Luke 22.24-27: Gospel for St Bartholemew’s Day

‘A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves'

Reflection:

What an amazing thought, that we should be guests at Christ’s table, and that himself should wait on us. This is not only a lesson to us in humility - a lesson that the disciples clearly needed to learn - but also the assurance of God’s loving provision for our needs. Nowhere is this more beautifully expressed than in this poem by George Herbert (1593-1633), who comes to realise that God’s gifts to us do not depend on our worthiness - we cannot earn them - but flow from God’s unconditional love. And our response is to reflect that love and generosity in our own lives and in the service of others.

 
LOVE bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack’d anything.

‘A guest,’ I answer’d, ‘worthy to be here:’
Love said, ‘You shall be he.’
‘I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on Thee.’
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
‘Who made the eyes but I?’

‘Truth, Lord; but I have marr’d them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.’
‘And know you not,’ says Love, ‘Who bore the blame?’
‘My dear, then I will serve.’
‘You must sit down,’ says Love, ‘and taste my meat.’
So I did sit and eat.

Revd Rosemary