The description of St. Katharine Drexel from the Vatican mentions her love of the Eucharist as part of the dynamic legacy she left to her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Certainly, the name of the order implies such devotion. This is another common theme among many of the saints we have studied together.
Thinking about the example that St. Katharine set for all of us, it makes sense that she was motivated, especially, by the sacrifices of Jesus for all of us. Just yesterday at Sunday mass, the Gospel reading from St. Mark includes Jesus’ teaching that “…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)
At the last supper, Jesus establishes the new covenant of his body and blood, which he will shed in the ultimate gift of love for all the world. As part of this meal we find His ultimate demonstration of service and command to His disciples, in His washing of their feet. “If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” (John 13: 14-15)
How do we ‘wash the feet” of those in need in our lives? Do we follow the example of St. Katharine, who was a model for service to those in need? It would be great if we could all establish and fund missionary activities for under-served populations of people, but that might be a little bit out of our reach. Does that mean we can’t learn from St. Katharine’s beautiful adherence to the call of Jesus?
The trick for us is to decide what we can do, each of us, in our own particular circumstances, to serve God’s people. I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t have a multi-million dollar inheritance to share with the poor. But what do I have that I can share? If not monetary or material gifts, what time and talent can I contribute?
Additionally, how can the small details of each day be used in service? There is a great deal of value in just contributing a positive influence on those around us. How does my attitude impact the people in my life? Do I lift people’s spirits,do I bring them down?
How do my words help or hurt people in my life? Do I promote kindness and compassion in the way that I talk to or about others? Or do I slip easily into gossip and criticism? I believe that attending to attitude and communication sets us in a frame of mind that naturally leads to the life of service that Jesus calls us to follow. So each week (or each day) at mass, when we receive the Blessed Sacrament, we need to remember the rest of that Last Supper message from Jesus, and let His spirit in our hearts compel us to serve, as it did for St. Katharine.
Jesus, we are humbled by Your amazing sacrifice to save us all. Help us to receive You in the Eucharist and remember Your call to service. Guide us to live that life of service that You require so we can contribute to Your new covenant with the whole world.