Episode 2439: Serving Jesus in Our Neighbors and in the Liturgy - Morning Episode

Welcome to today's episode, where we explore the profound truth of serving Jesus in our neighbors, especially in the poor and sick, and how this extends to our participation in the liturgy. Drawing on the wisdom of St. Rose of Lima, Fr. Romano Guardini, and the words of our Lord in the Gospel of John, we will reflect on the true meaning of service and how it relates to both our daily lives and our worship in the Church.
St. Rose of Lima, the first canonized saint of the Americas, beautifully encapsulates the essence of Christian charity with her words: "When we serve the poor and the sick, we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbors, because in them we serve Jesus." This statement reflects the teaching of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, where He identifies Himself with the least of our brothers and sisters. He says, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40).
St. Rose’s life was a testament to this truth. She dedicated herself to caring for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, often going to great lengths to provide for their needs, even at great personal sacrifice. Her actions were rooted in a deep love for Christ, recognizing His presence in every person she encountered. This understanding of service challenges us to see beyond the surface and to recognize Christ in those who are suffering, marginalized, and in need.
This teaching is not merely about charitable actions, but about how we view the world through the eyes of faith. To serve the poor and the sick is to serve Christ Himself. It is a radical call to love our neighbors as ourselves, seeing in them the image of God. In this way, our daily actions of service become acts of worship, honoring God through our love for others.
This idea of service extends beyond our interactions with others and into the liturgy, where we are called to actively participate in the worship of God. Fr. Romano Guardini, a renowned liturgist, reminds us of this when he says, "We do not come to church to attend the service as a spectator, but in order, along with the priest, to serve God." This is a critical point that many Catholics often overlook. The Mass is not a performance that we simply watch; it is an act of communal worship where we actively participate in offering ourselves to God.
Guardini continues, “Everything we do—our entering, being present, our kneeling and sitting and standing, our reception of the sacred nourishment—should be divine service.” Our actions in the liturgy should flow from a collected heart and an attentive mind, fully aware of the sacred mystery in which we are participating. The Eucharist, which is the source and summit of the Christian life, is the ultimate act of service to God. In it, we unite ourselves with Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, offering our own lives in union with His.
The connection between serving our neighbors and serving God in the liturgy is beautifully illustrated in the Gospel of John. Jesus prays to the Father, saying, “Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.” (John 17:3-4). Jesus’ life was a perfect example of service—He glorified the Father by accomplishing the work He was sent to do, which included healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and ultimately offering Himself as a sacrifice for the salvation of the world.
In the same way, we are called to glorify God by accomplishing the work He has given us to do. This work includes both our acts of charity toward others and our participation in the liturgy. By serving our neighbors and serving God in the Mass, we follow Christ’s example and bring glory to the Father.
Furthermore, when we serve others with a heart full of love and humility, we are not only imitating Christ but also becoming more deeply united with Him. This union with Christ is the very essence of eternal life, as Jesus said, “Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3). Our service to others and our worship in the liturgy are both ways of deepening this relationship with God, knowing Him more intimately, and living out the eternal life that begins even now.
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Conclusion
As we conclude today’s reflection, let us remember that our call to serve is not limited to acts of charity alone, but extends to our participation in the liturgy, where we offer ourselves in union with Christ. St. Rose of Lima reminds us that in serving our neighbors, especially the poor and sick, we are serving Christ Himself. Fr. Romano Guardini challenges us to see the liturgy as an active participation in divine service, where every action is an offering to God.
Let us strive to live lives of service, both in our love for our neighbors and in our worship of God, following the example of Christ, who glorified the Father by accomplishing the work He was sent to do. By doing so, we too will glorify God and enter more fully into the eternal life that He offers us.
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Final Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of the saints, who have shown us the way of love and service. Help us to serve You faithfully in our neighbors and in the liturgy, offering ourselves completely to You. May we always recognize Christ in those we serve and in the sacred mysteries we celebrate. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.