Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop

Humble Service: Doing Our Duty with Gratitude

Today’s Gospel from Luke 17:7-10 offers us a powerful lesson in humility. Jesus tells a parable about a servant who, after working in the field all day, does not expect to be thanked or rewarded. Instead, he continues his duties, serving his master without complaint. Jesus ends with the words: ‘So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’

This teaching strikes at the heart of Christian discipleship. In a world that often seeks recognition and reward, Jesus invites us to serve with humility, not expecting praise, but simply doing what love requires. Our service is not a way to earn God’s love—it is a response to the love He has already poured out on us.

Saint Augustine reminds us of this truth when he says, ‘God crowns not your merits, but His own gifts.’ Even our ability to serve is a grace from God. So when we serve, we are not doing God a favor—we are simply living out the gift of faith He has given us.

Today is also the memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, a wonderful example of humble and generous service. As a Roman soldier, Martin famously cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar who was cold. That night, he had a vision of Christ wearing the same piece of cloak, saying, ‘Martin, a catechumen, has clothed me.’ Martin went on to become a bishop, but he never lost his humility or his love for the poor. He served not for recognition, but out of love for Christ.

Like Saint Martin, we are called to serve in practical, everyday ways:

In our families: by being patient, forgiving, and generous with our time and attention.

In our parishes: by volunteering, supporting ministries, or simply being a welcoming presence to others.

In our communities: by looking out for the lonely, the poor, or those in need of encouragement.

In our workplaces: by working with integrity, honesty, and kindness, even when it goes unnoticed.

In prayer: by lifting up others, especially those who are suffering or forgotten.

When we serve in these ways, we imitate Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. We also walk in the footsteps of saints like Martin of Tours, who saw Christ in the poor and responded with love.

Let us ask the Lord today for a humble heart—a heart that does not seek recognition, but rejoices in doing what is right. May we always say with sincerity: ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ And may our humble service bring glory to God and healing to the world.