Not to be served but to serve

Yesterday, when I arrived at a neighboring parish to preside at a service, I made my way to the sacristy behind the altar. There she was, a small, pleasant, mature lady—the sacristan—tending to the sacred vessels, as they all do. Only since becoming a deacon have I come to fully appreciate the vital role sacristans play in the smooth functioning of a parish.

Without them, a parish could quickly fall into disarray, as they quietly and diligently ensure that all is prepared for Mass, baptisms, and other liturgical events. Their behind-the-scenes work goes largely unnoticed by most parishioners, but it is indispensable.

Reflecting on this week’s Gospel reading, Mark 10: 35-45—'For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve’—I thought of the sacristans I’ve met in my short time as a deacon. They embody the heart of servant leadership, humbly and selflessly working in the background to facilitate the worship of others.

Like Jesus, they do not seek recognition or accolades. Their work reminds me of the countless individuals in our parishes who, though not always visible, live out the Gospel’s call to serve. They are the unsung heroes of our church communities, reflecting Christ’s love in the way they serve others, quietly but profoundly fulfilling the mission of the Kingdom of Heaven.

This is the essence of Benedictine spirituality—a call to serve God by serving others. Rooted in humility, it invites us to action that springs from deep contemplation. The Rule of St. Benedict emphasizes the balance between prayer and work, ‘ora et labora,’ teaching us that service to others is not separate from our relationship with God but is a vital expression of it.

In the quiet moments of reflection, we encounter God’s presence, and from that encounter, we are moved to act with love and humility. This spirituality calls us to see Christ in those we serve, recognizing that our work—whether grand or mundane—is a form of prayer. By grounding our service in contemplation, we engage with the world not for recognition or reward, but out of a sincere desire to fulfill God’s will, embodying Christ’s self-giving love in everyday life.

Friend, if you would like to learn more about the practice of Benedictine Spirituality ‘outside the walls of a monastery’, I encourage you to join our Benedictine Spirituality program by clicking on the following link Benedictine Spirituality LINK .

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