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Based in Luke 17:7-10
Today is also the feast day of St. Frances Cabrini
- the first canonized American citizen
Notre Dame University is competitive. They want to be the best Catholic university, have the best students and professors, the best halls, the best teams, the best alumni—whatever best may mean. This ethos and effort usually is recognized through accolades: high standing in the US News & World Report’s College Rankings; making the Dean’s List; earning the “hall of the year”; championships; mention in Notre Dame Magazine. Often enough our competitiveness and merits bear worthy fruit; however, when we are honest, it can also breed arrogance, entitlement, and even violence.
This phenomenon, of course, is not particular to Notre Dame. Scripture and experience tells us that it is part of the human condition. Oftentimes we think too highly of ourselves and act as if we are gods. Even some modern church songs almost seem to suggest that God is so very fortunate to have us. Today’s passage from Luke reminds us to remember who we ultimately are; it bursts our balloons of delusion. We are not gods; rather, we are so very contingent. We and our nations, universities, halls, and teams rise and fall and eventually die.
During our earthly pilgrimage, God calls us to be God’s faithful servants—that is ultimate. In doing so, we are not entitled to seek position, prestige, or any type of merit based on what we do to fulfill that call. It is not a competition. It does not make us worthy to lay claim to God’s love. God’s loving presence—grace—is absolute gift.
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