Most of us like being served.  I like going to a restaurant where a chef who cooks better than I can prepare a beautiful meal and I can be served. One year at Christmas we went to Mexico to a very special little place with a little Catholic Chapel on site. On Christmas Eve, we went into the dining room and my waiter came to our table and I looked at his name tag…His name was “Jesus!” I felt suddenly awkward that someone by the name of  “Jesus” would be serving me on Christmas Eve.  Perhaps that was how St. Peter felt when Jesus proceeded to wash his feet on the night of the Last Supper. Later I went to the front desk to ask a question and I saw another man whose name tag said, “Jesus”… People bearing the name “Jesus” were everywhere! Was this the most popular name in Mexico?  I felt it was Jesus trying to remind me that He serves and I too should be serving.  It was also a great reminder to remember to see Jesus in others and especially those who serve.

One of the most moving Christmas Eve’s I have ever spent was with a group of people suffering from various illnesses, mostly mental dementia in a Retirement facility. On that day, I had gone to serve. I had the privilege of bringing them the Holy Eucharist as well as short bread cookies I had made and we all sat together singing Christmas carols. Many of them just wanted kisses. One lady kept pointing to me saying “You are my mother!”.  I in turn pointed to the Scapular around my neck showing her the Virgin Mary, her spiritual mother in heaven. That day I was serving and loving and being loved and I realized that the service that Jesus was asking for would bring the greatest joy to my heart. Let us remember the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35

So let us thank those that serve us and let us also serve one another remembering too the words of Jesus at the Last Supper “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14) If Jesus can serve us then indeed we must serve Him by serving one another.  And let’s never forget that one of the best forms of service we can offer our neighbours is to pray for them.  May the Holy Lord have mercy on all who are suffering and in need of His compassion and love.  May Our Jesus take pity on those who are violating His commandments and may He give all the grace of repentance, especially those most in need of His mercy.