MAJESTIC SPLENDOUR | KAIROS GLOBAL | JULY 2024

Author: Anil Israel

Intro: Each of us has a God-entrusted duty to fulfil. Are we being faithful? Are we imitating the example Christ set for us? Anil Israel invites us to introspect.

Everything in creation is interconnected. There is a cycle of seasons, a food-cycle, an ecological-cycle, an economic-cycle. Patterns of highs and lows set up the rhythm of our life. There are stories from ‘rags to riches’ as well as from ‘prince to pauper’. Things are not always the same. Sickness and health, pain and gain, all aid in adding colour to life. It would have been enormously boring if time just stood still. Change is the spice of life. If there is no change there is no progress. One cannot enjoy the sunset if the sun continued to linger on the horizon forever. Isn’t it ‘variety’ that gives beauty in the natural order?

Man invariably finds himself constantly pursuing excellence – to be a better version of himself. This inbuilt craving to outdo oneself is what keeps him on the move and elevates him to heights formerly unattained. No wonder people aspire to improve and innovation is an ongoing process. Man’s need to be appreciated, to be wanted, to be accepted, propels him on an attention-seeking path and motivates him to continue to shine, with a view to see himself among the so-called achievers.

One could strive to climb the career ladder and explore life from varied heights. People can assume influential positions that can impact several other lives. Those who end up at the top of hierarchical structures, shoulder a massive responsibility that comes with the office. Much is required from those to whom much is given (Luke 12:48). Moreover, in Jesus’ revelation to Pilate: You would have no authority over me if it were not given to you from above (John 19:11), we are given to understand, that all authority is God-given, and therefore one needs to be conscious of the ensuing responsibility and consequent accountability.

It is said that on account of his disobedience and lack of reliance on Him, God rejected King Saul. God then raised a shepherd boy David, who chose to repent of his mistake and trustingly relied only on the Lord, becoming a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His son, Solomon, too prayed earnestly for wisdom: Give your servant an understanding mind to govern your people that I may discern between good and evil (1 Kings 3:9). It is interesting to see that Solomon refers to himself as a servant. It is this attitude of a servant that enables him to focus on the welfare of his people. True service is purely love in action.

Jesus, himself personified the divine entrustment: For the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). I have come that you may have life and have it in abundance (John 10:10). Jesus lived a totally other-centred life. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32), that your joy may be full (John 16:24). He healed the blind, the deaf, the dumb and the lame. He cast out demons and even rose the dead. After washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus exhorted to continue his mission: I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:15). We are reminded of the reason of our existence: to know God, to love and serve him by serving fellow humanity. We were born to serve – to put love into action.

God does not call us to be successful but faithful. He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much (Luke 16:10). Am I faithful to my ‘little’ God-entrusted responsibilities? Am I aware about my duties towards the people entrusted to me? How do I treat my family members – my parents, my spouse, my children? How do I correspond with my friends and colleagues? Am I sincere in all aspects of personal and professional life? Am I a person of integrity? 

God has a unique plan for each and every one of us. What you are called to do, is different from what I am called to do. What you are supposed to do, I can’t. What I am supposed to do, you can’t. If I don’t do what God has allocated to me, it will simply remain undone. I am the only person in existence to use my full potential. If I fail to serve – to put love in action, I must ask myself: ‘Am I truly imitating the example Christ has set for me?’ What is my attitude when it comes to making myself available at the service of the other?

Some are called to serve at leadership positions. To be the CEO of a company or the president of a nation or even the coordinator of any lay apostolate. Others are called to take instructions and oblige. It could be as simple as offering to sit before the Blessed Sacrament and supporting the prayer backbone of ministry initiatives. We are all different members of the mystical body of Christ. All are equally important. What the ear can do, the eye cannot. What the mouth can do, the feet cannot. Each one of us has a special role to play. Am I faithful to my God-given unique task?

To what extent do I imitate Christ? Can I too say: I am among you as one who serves (Luke 22:27)? In the holy work of sharing the good news, we too are prompted: you give them something to eat (Mark 6:37). What am I willingly giving? My talents, strengths, time, resources? Am I being a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7)? Do I step out of my comfort zone to walk the extra mile? When we serve we imitate our master, Jesus. When we let our light shine we give glory to God, just as all of creation proclaims his handiwork (Psalm 19:1). May our endeavour to be a servant of all (Mark 9:35) be the majestic splendour (Psalm 96:6) emanating from our hearts. 

Anil Israel lives in Mannheim, Germany with his wife Sunitha and their 6 children.