ACC ~ Luke 17 v7 - 10

THE FAITHFUL ARE CALLED TO HUMBLE SERVICE

AMBROSE: You do not say to your servant, “Sit down,” but require more service from him and do not thank him. The Lord also does not allow only one work or labor for you, because so long as we live we must always work.

Know that you are a servant overwhelmed by very much obedience. You must not set yourself first, because you are called a son of God. Grace must be acknowledged, but nature not overlooked. Do not boast of yourself if you have served well, as you should have done. The sun obeys, the moon complies, [1] and the angels serve. … Let us not require praise from ourselves nor prevent the judgment of God and anticipate the sentence of the Judge but reserve it for its own time and Judge. EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 8.31-32. [2]

[1] Josh 10:12-13; Let Jer 60.

[2] EHG 342-43**.

PURSUIT OF HUMAN GLORY

CHRYSOSTOM: He said, “When you have done everything, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants,’” to warn them in his wish that they keep themselves at great distance from that destructive passion. Dearly beloved, see how the person with his mouth open for human glory and performing the works of virtue on that account has no benefit from it. Despite practicing every example of virtue, if he seems to give himself credit for it, he ends up empty-handed and bereaved of everything. HOMILY ON GENESIS 31.4. [1]

[1] FC 82:239-40**.