Daily reflection _ know the joy of serving

KNOW THE JOY OF SERVING
Jesus is our best example and these women gladly imitated Him in their humble service.
Deacon John Ruscheinsky
We know that Mary Magdalene had lived a very troubled life before Jesus freed her from what we are told were seven demons. She was privileged to be the first to see Jesus as the risen Lord. Joanna, the wife of King Herod's chief financial officer, was a wealthy lady of the court. It's unlikely that Mary Magdalene and Joanna would have ever met under other circumstances. What brought them together and united them was a bond of friendship, service, and loyalty to Jesus. Certainly Jesus and His message of the kingdom of God had transformed them.
Are we sometimes like the apostles, who were status conscious, or like the women, who were content to serve quietly but generously? Jesus is our best example and these women gladly imitated Him in their humble service.
Today's Gospel made me think about the sixth station of the cross. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus. She goes up to our Lord with a white cloth to wipe His blood filled face, with love, compassion, and arms opened to help in generosity. Maybe you can take time today to reflect on this station and read a shortstory about someone reaching out in love, and compassion.
 May your arms always be open for others in generosity.
 Know the joy of serving!