Praying the Communion Antiphon
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Praying the Communion Antiphon |
A
Time Set Apart – Wednesday, Second Week of Lent
Not
to Be Served
Communion Antiphon (Matthew 20:28)
The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Thinking
About the Words
“The
Son of Man…”
A
title rich with dignity and mission. It carries both humility and authority.
“Did
not come to be served but to serve.”
This
overturns expectation.
Power
usually seeks recognition.
Status expects deference.
Authority demands.
But
Christ reverses the pattern.
He
does not abolish greatness.
He redefines it.
To
serve in the Gospel is not mere task-doing. It is self-giving. It is placing
oneself at the disposal of another.
“And
to give his life…”
The
service culminates in total gift.
“Ransom”
does not mean payment to an angry God. It suggests liberation — release from
bondage.
He
gives Himself so that others may live freely.
And
this is prayed at Communion.
We
receive the One who serves us.
The One who gives Himself.
Lent
is not about performing service to earn God’s approval.
It
is about learning to imitate the self-giving we receive.
Reflection
- In what
subtle ways do I seek to be served rather than to serve?
- Do I see
service as burden — or participation in Christ’s love?
- Where am
I being invited to give rather than to control?
- What
would quiet, hidden service look like today?
There
is something very steady about this Communion Antiphon in Lent.
After mercy. After praise. Now — self-gift. The arc continues.
Prayer
Lord
Jesus,
You came to serve and to give Your life.
Teach me to serve without seeking recognition.
Free my heart to love as You love.
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