Introduction to Vespers - Saturday, Evening Prayer 1 (sun).

Vespers Introduction based on the Canticle: Phil 2:6-11.

2 men were walking on a rough road on a hill. They were walking for so long and were tired and desperate for a ride. They finally saw a rickshaw in a distance. But as it pulls closer they notice a very old bare-bodied man with noticeable bones of his rib cage managing it. "There is no way I'm going to ride this" one walker exclaim feeling very sorry for the man. "Don't be a ninny" shouts back the other companion. As they both argue over it, the old man impatiently shoves both of them into the rickshaw. He cares less. This is his vocation. This is what he is called to do.

The canticle this evening; Jesus taking the form of a servant, reminds me of the story above. And while reading the story, I see a picture of Jesus kneeling with a basin of water, towel draped over his shoulders and washing the feet of his disciples. This is the King of kings, the Lord of lords and the Son of God! And yet He humbled Himself and saw a servant's role befitting Him, so long as it accomplished the purpose He was sent for.

I remember during my 1st retreat as a seminarian, i was taught on the Doulos Leadership. A new leadership based on that of the servant / "doulos" Jesus. I quote from the notes given by Fr. Jojo; "Feet-washing of the Other in terms of a self-emptying of one's importance and taking on the person of the slave and render selfless service to the lowly and unloved ones of society is our way of life because 'the greatest among you must be the least'. And we are no 'greater than the master' who has shown us that greatest lies in lowliness.

So with conviction we pray that we may be directed towards selfless service to others. That's having "A Servant Heart"