by Fr. Gregory-David Jones, O.S.B.

     Jesus told us to describe ourselves as “unprofitable servants”.  These words to the modern ear sound demeaning and dangerous!  With concerns about self-esteem and image it seems that society is telling us to think of ourselves in the opposite way.  Outside of its context, such a self-evaluation is far from the truth.  No one is “unprofitable” or “worthless” (a term some translations use).  However, within the context, Jesus is revealing a remarkable reality about our existence and our value in God’s eyes. 

     Before referring to the example of a servant receiving commands from his master, Jesus spoke about faith the size of a mustard seed being able to move and replant a tree in the sea.  I believe that these texts were not placed together arbitrarily, but have a purpose for being put together.  Jesus is not referring to faith in one’s self.  He is referring to faith in God; God who makes it possible for our existence – who owes us nothing – who sustains us by a mere thought – who created us out of dust –who deserves infinitely more from us than we can ever give back, yet listens to us when we call on Him. 

     No matter what situation we are in or even how far we have drifted away from Him, the Almighty God in His wisdom and love answers our prayers in the best way for us (even when we don’t understand it at the time).   In comparison to God are we “unprofitable”?  Absolutely!  But in His eyes we are valued infinitely.  The Almighty Lord, and Master of all that exists, appraised us by becoming our Servant to the point of death in order to free us from the misery of our own sins, so that we could be united with Him in the Kingdom for all eternity. 

---