27th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Fr. Joseph Corpora, C.S.C.

Through God's love and the gift of faith, he has freed us from sin. Our response should be to dedicate our lives entirely to him in his service. Our service does not merit praise; it is the only fitting response to everything that God has given to us. Perhaps this is why Jesus calls us unprofitable servants; we ought to be even more generous than we are. We have to admit that we have not done as much as we should have. Faith is a gift freely given; it is not a reward for achievement. The most important thing is to acknowledge what God has done for us. The master in this parable seems harsh. But Jesus is saying that, when all is said and done, we have only done what we were obliged to do. Doing our duty and following the law does not assure a relationship with God; only faith assures that relationship. Faith is the openness to God's finding, God's healing, God's redeeming and saving. Those who merely serve God are capable — yet still unprofitable servants. But those who, despite weakness and imperfections, allow God to save them know God through faith. Trying to get this right by being "perfect" is getting it wrong. You can only become perfect by accepting your imperfections and allowing God to save you. We are not saved by anything that we do; we are saved by God. We do not save ourselves; God saves us. It is not our life, work, or good deeds that will save us; it is God who saves our life, work, and good deeds. Jesus wants his apostles to act like servants who are grateful for the opportunity to serve. No amount of service earns God's love. It is in response to God's love that the apostles and we ourselves are called to serve gratefully and faithfully. We serve not to gain a place in heaven but out of gratitude. It is the only possible response we can make to a good, loyal, faithful, kind, and compassionate God. -- "'The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith.' The Lord replied, 'If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, "Be uprooted and planted in the sea," and it would obey you. "'Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, "Come here immediately and take your place at table"? Would he not rather say to him, "Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished"? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, "We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do."'" Luke 17:5-10 -- The Congregation of Holy Cross is a community of Catholic, apostolic priests and brothers called by Jesus Christ and founded by Blessed Basil Moreau, who patterned the religious community after the Holy Family. The brothers and priests of Holy Cross pray and live united in a common religious life, sharing the same history, vows, and spirituality, and drawing from Blessed Moreau’s trust in Divine Providence, confidence in the Cross as our only hope – Ave Crux, Spes Unica – and zeal to make God known, loved, and served. Holy Cross priests and brothers are called upon to be educators in the faith, who with a preferential option for the poor, educate both the mind and heart principally in the fields of education, parish, and mission. Our distinctive charism and trust in Divine Providence has guided Holy Cross members to found world-renowned institutes of Catholic higher education, parishes across the United States and Mexico, along with other important ministries on five continents. The Congregation of Holy Cross is a vibrant and committed community thriving today with Blessed Moreau’s original zeal and passion to love and serve the people of God. We are men with hope to bring! If you’re interested in a life of service to others as a Priest or Brother of Holy Cross, visit holycrossvocations.org.