We hear the word service often in society. The politicians use it with the voters: a pledge to be of service to those who vote for them. In the Church, it is a topic frequently brought to our attention: Jesus who bent low to wash the feet of the disciples is the unprecedented example of service. Service to others is a concept we do not want to reflect on, for at the end of the day we know the outcome.
Those served, are the ones who will have the hardest time in serving others. This is true, especially in the vertical Confucian society that we have in Korea. To ask those who are on top to serve those below, without any self-servicing, is not easy: political leaders in society serving citizens, parents--children, chairpersons-- members, clergy and religious--laity, seniors -- juniors, those who have-- those who don't. The journalist wonders if the words of our Lord about the camel, and the eye of a needle would not be appropriate in these cases.
Without being on our guard it is difficult not to serve ourselves. Reflecting on her job and the little authority she has, she wonders how easy it is to have it go to one's head. Humility does not come easy, a virtue that we have to work with and ardently desire.
She reminds us of our ancestors in the faith in their struggle against pride and their way of dealing with it: 'Conquering the Seven'(Chil Geuk). These were the seven virtues used to overcome the seven capital sins: humility, love, patience, alms-giving, moderation, asceticism, and diligence.
One of the dioceses, celebrating their 50th anniversary, has decided to deepen spirituality: "I will be of service." The clergy, religious and lay people are all to be of service to others. This is the duty of the whole Church. Not by words alone but by our actions, and she concludes, when we all bow our heads deeply to the other, the Church community will be what it is meant to be.
