SERVANTHOOD

“Christi simus non nostri” “Let us be of Christ, not of ourselves.” (St. Columban)

1. We belong to Christ: “I live, no longer I, - Our work & mission belongs to him… - It is the work of Christ that we are to proclaim… - Everything belongs to Christ… Christ belongs to God (see, I Cor 3: 23) “I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me..” (Gal 2:20)

2. Christ our master is a servant Christ’s ministry is centered on the cross “I am among you as the one who serves” (Lk.22:27)

“I am among you as the one who serves” (Lk.22:27) Implications 1. We should not look for success in the eyes of the world… “I am among you as the one who serves” (Lk.22:27)

“I am among you as the one who serves” (Lk.22:27) Implications 2. The only way to be his disciple is the way of the cross… “I am among you as the one who serves” (Lk.22:27)

Implications 3. Genuine and sincere desire to serve the needs of others… “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

I. The Experience of Peter (Jn. 21:15-19) a model of Genuine Service

The Experience of Peter (Jn. 21:15-19) a model of Genuine Service Peter’s Confession of love for Jesus: “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.”

The Experience of Peter (Jn. 21:15-19) a model of Genuine Service Jesus chooses Peter despite his weaknesses...

The Experience of Peter (Jn. 21:15-19) a model of Genuine Service Peter learned the painful lesson…

The Experience of Peter (Jn. 21:15-19) a model of Genuine Service What we can learn from Peter? Implications: It is through our weakness and not through our strengths that we come close to God...

The Experience of Peter (Jn. 21:15-19) a model of Genuine Service What we can learn from Peter? Implications: It is important to confess and profess love for Jesus…

The Experience of Peter (Jn. 21:15-19) a model of Genuine Service What we can learn from Peter? Implications: Our ministry must be pure and selfless…

II. The Meaning of Christian Ministry in Pauline Context (2 Cor 1. Reconciliation is Paul’s primary goal

II. The Meaning of Christian Ministry in Pauline Context (2 Cor In this key passage of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:11-21), Paul gives us two axioms (sayings) of what ministry means: A. The source of ministry – God’s love for us…

II. The Meaning of Christian Ministry in Pauline Context (2 Cor “The love of Christ impels us,” (caritas Christi urget nos). In other words, Christ’s love is the reason for our being in the ministry…

II. The Meaning of Christian Ministry in Pauline Context (2 Cor Application: We should always have that consciousness that if Christ Himself who calls us to this service and the love of Christ continues to nourish us not the love of our priests, coordinator, etc.

II. The Meaning of Christian Ministry in Pauline Context (2 Cor B. Our being Ambassadors of Christ – (2 Cor 5:20) The role of Ambassador: One does not speak in his/her own name and is not appointed to build his own kingdom…

Therefore, we are not self-appointed but chosen by Jesus. II. The Meaning of Christian Ministry in Pauline Context (2 Cor. 2:14 – 7:1; 10:1 – 13:13) B. Our being Ambassadors of Christ – (2 Cor 5:20) Therefore, we are not self-appointed but chosen by Jesus.

II. The Meaning of Christian Ministry in Pauline Context (2 Cor B. Our being Ambassadors of Christ – (2 Cor 5:20) Application: When we serve, it is Christ that must be seen in us and not ourselves. It takes humility to accept this reality.

II. The Meaning of Christian Ministry in Pauline Context (2 Cor 2. Prayer as the Sustaining power of His Ministry

II. The Meaning of Christian Ministry in Pauline Context (2 Cor Prayer is the very heart of ministry…

2. Prayer as the Sustaining power of His Ministry This is so clear in the life of Jesus whose public ministry begins with the desert experience of prayer and fasting. It is there that he discovers the wellspring of his commitment.

Panalangin ang nagbibigay-lakas sa Paglilingkod ni Hesus. Bago niya sinimulan ang kanyang “Public Ministry,” namalagi siya sa disyerto sa panalangin.

Habang Siya’y naglilingkod, hindi Siya nakakalimot magdasal…

Kapag may gagawin Siyang mahalagang desisyon sa buhay, nagdarasal siya: Pagpili ng mga Apostol (Lk. 6:12) Pagpunta sa Jerusalem (Lk. 9:28) Pagharap sa kamatayan (Lk. 22:39)

Prayer must not be neglected. 2. Prayer as the Sustaining power of His Ministry Application: What sustains us? Who sustains us?   Prayer must not be neglected.

“Prayer does not change God, but it changes the person who prays. ” (S “Prayer does not change God, but it changes the person who prays.” (S. Kierkegaard)

CONCLUSION We need to have the Spirit of Christ burning in our lives at all times as we serve. St. Columban is indeed right: “Christi simus non nostri,” – “Let us be of Christ, not of ourselves.”  “I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me..” (Gal 2:20)

THANK YOU! frchoisolt