A priest friend of mine received a call from a family whose elderly mother was dying. Within thirty minutes, he was at her bedside, offering the consolation of the sacraments, anointing her with the oil of the sick, and commending her soul to God. She passed not long after, and for months, her family spoke of their deep gratitude for his presence. When I phoned him to commend his faithful ministry, he simply said, “I was just doing my job.”

His words brought to mind Jesus’ teaching this week in Luke 17:10: “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” In a world that often seeks recognition and applause, the Lord invites us into a different mindset — one of humble service. The priest did not see his response as extraordinary; he saw it as a grace to fulfill his vocation.

How tempting it is to seek affirmation for doing what I ought to do! Yet Jesus reminds us that true discipleship is not about grandstanding but about quiet faithfulness. It is enough to have served. It is enough to have loved. It is enough to be grateful that we were given the chance to do our duty in the first place. Whether in priesthood, parenthood, or any vocation, what peace-soaked freedom there is in simply doing what is asked of us. No more, no less. Jesus, that is how you quietly love us.
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