HANDMAID OF THE LORD / SERVANT OF GOD
HANDMAID OF THE LORD
The term ‘handmaid of the Lord’ is most famously associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus. In the Gospel of Luke, during the Annunciation, Mary responds to the angel Gabriel by saying: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38).
This phrase signifies Mary’s complete submission and obedience to God’s will, despite the potential social and personal repercussions she might face. Mary’s declaration is a profound example of humility and faith. In the biblical context, a handmaid was the lowest servant in a household, always ready to serve at a moment’s notice. Mary’s acceptance of this role highlights her readiness to serve God in any capacity, emphasizing her humility and total trust in God’s plan. This attitude is further reflected in her life, as she nurtured and raised Jesus, teaching Him values that He later exemplified, such as humility and service, most notably when He washed His disciples’ feet at the Last Supper (Jn 13:1-17).
SERVANT OF GOD
The concept of being a ‘servant of God’ is a recurring theme in the Bible, encompassing both Old and New Testament figures.
1. Moses: Moses is often referred to as the servant of God. He led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Ten Commandments. In Deuteronomy, Moses reflects on his journey and God’s guidance: “And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord” (Deut 34:5).
2. David: King David frequently referred to himself as a servant of God. Despite his royal status, he recognized his primary role as serving God and His people. In the Psalms, David expresses his devotion: “I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies” (Ps 119:125).
3. Paul: In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul identifies himself as a servant of Christ. His letters often begin with this self-designation, indicating his commitment to spreading the Gospel: “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God” (Rom 1:1).
Jesus Himself set the ultimate example of servanthood. In Luke 12:35-43, He teaches about the importance of being a faithful and wise servant, always ready and diligent in fulfilling the master’s will. This parable underscores the virtues of vigilance, responsibility, and readiness to serve, which are essential qualities for any servant of God.
The phrase “Servant of God” is the initial stage in the Catholic Church’s canonization process, signifying the formal acknowledgment of a person’s long-established reputation for being holy and serving God and others in a virtuous manner. Rooted in Scripture, where it highlights the devotion and obedience of figures like Moses and Joshua, this designation underscores the Church’s emphasis on humility and service as key Christian virtues. It signifies that the individual lived a life dedicated to serving God and exemplified these qualities in an extraordinary way.
How We Can Be Like Them?
To emulate Mary and other servants of God, we can adopt the following principles:
– Humility: Like Mary, we should approach our lives with humility, recognizing our dependence on God and our role as His servants. This involves putting aside pride and self-interest to serve others selflessly.
– Obedience: Following Mary’s example, we should be willing to accept God’s will in our lives, even when it is challenging or unclear. This requires trust and faith in God’s plan.
– Vigilance and Diligence: As Jesus taught in His parables, being a faithful servant means being vigilant and diligent in our duties. We should strive to be responsible and ready to act according to God’s guidance.
– Service to Others: True servanthood involves serving others, as Jesus demonstrated. This can be through acts of kindness, helping those in need, and spreading God’s love through our actions.
REFLECTION
Reflecting on the examples of Mary as the handmaid of the Lord and other biblical servants of God, we are reminded of the importance of humility, obedience, and service in our spiritual lives. In a world that often values power and status, these qualities can seem countercultural. However, they are at the heart of Christian discipleship.
As Christians, we are called to follow the path of servanthood, just as Mary and Jesus did. This means being open to God’s will, serving others selflessly, and living a life of humility and faith. By doing so, we not only grow closer to God but also become instruments of His love and grace in the world.
Let us pray for the grace to embrace our roles as servants of God, following the examples set before us with humility and dedication. May we always be ready to say, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38), and live out this commitment in our daily lives.