Introduction to Vespers: Saturday, Week 3 (Sunday - Evening Prayer I) based on 1st reading of the Sat, 10th Ord Time - Year II.

Reflection especially for priests, seminarians and those aspiring to be priest.

"Make me a servant" I remember a few years ago, 2 final year seminarians had a tough time choosing a theme for their Diaconate ordination and the greater challenge was when trying to live it out. We used to disturb them by talking and singing the theme. I think this theme (Make me a servant) also challenges each one of us. I admit that it is not easy being a servant.

We are here (in the seminary) aspiring to become Christ's servant and for some through the grace of ordination have already become a servant. (Just for the record and to highlight):- A Priest is a servant! A leader who is called to be a faithful servant of God's people. I remember during my 1st annual retreat as a seminarian, we had a Jesuit priest reminding us seminarians that when we become priests we are to 'steward' and not to 'boss or rule over the people'.

Being a servant we are called to be responsible too and that is another word that comes together with steward; responsible. And this responsibility does not only begin when we are priest but before that. In the 1st reading today (Saturday: 10th Week in Ordinary Time, Year II), the last sentence tells us that Elisha rose, and followed Elijah and became his servant. Before doing that, Elisha cooked the oxen and gave to his men. He knew he was responsible for his men.

So we pray that we may come to realize our responsibilities and like Elisha serve one another, especially those who comes after us. A task which is not easy but possible. We pray for Christ's strength, for he took the form of a servant and served each one of us (Phil.2:6-11). He is the greatest servant of all.
Yes Lord, make us a servant like you.