As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” (Mark 5:18-19)
Ice cream is very close to my heart. One Sunday evening, I went to a store, told the lady behind the counter to serve me a medium-sized chocolate ice cream, and walked to a table where I saw friends. After greeting my friends, I went back to the lady only to find out that she's serving a different customer and that my order wasn't processed. WHAT! I cancelled my order, and left.
Looking back, I could've just paused. I could've been kinder to that lady instead of walking out, and that would've been my service to God. I was wrong. I serve God through hosting benefit programs, guesting for free in different shows, and volunteering in church services. But maybe God calls me to serve Him in "smaller ways."
The gospel today describes a man pleading to Jesus to allow him to serve alongside Jesus. Instead, Jesus turned him down and instructed him to serve by going home to his family and to announce what the Lord's pity had done for him. It would've been a grander service if that man left his home and everything else to follow Jesus wherever He went. But sometimes, God calls us to serve Him in "smaller ways." Like being kind to the lady behind the counter, pausing first before responding to a negative emotion, being more forgiving and merciful to family and friends, giving others many second chances.
REFLECTION
What are the small ways you can serve God?
God, make me hear Your voice and instruct me on how I should serve You.
