Feb 17th - Seven Founders of the Servites

We can all get into a rut in our lives, becoming complacent and self-satisfied (cf. Luke 12:16-21). Think of what it would take for you, with your money and your comfort to decide to use it for God rather than your own pleasure. Think of the rich young man who approaches Jesus, who is righteous and pious, but lacks three things (Matthew 19:16-30). He goes away sad (why? well that would be for another discussion - not a reflection).
Many of us look around today and shake our heads at the sorry state of affairs and human behavior. How often do we then turn away and go on with our lives, not part of the solution but perpetuating the problem? Guilty as charged.
These seven men choose to give up nobility, success, and wealth to work in the vineyard that the society around them had ignored by focusing on the seven sorrows of Mary. We need to think about what we focus on in order to give our lives over to God and be his servants.

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Peter said to Jesus, "We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?"
Jesus said to them "Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life."

-- Matthew 19:27-29