Wisdom 2:23-3:9 / Luke 17:7-10
A privilege is generally defined as a benefit or an exemption that is granted to a person or persons, under certain conditions, and which is not given to the general public.
For example diplomats and cabinet ministers and certain professionals enjoy privileges that we don't usually get as ordinary people.
But whatever it may be, a privilege is not a right, and it shouldn't be thought of as such.
Yet it is so easy to take a privilege for granted and then it will become a right.
Jesus made it clear in the gospel that if we truly want to serve God, then we cannot expect any privileges.
We should not be expecting gratitude from the people we are serving nor expect anything in return from God for making sacrifices.
Yet the 1st reading tells us that God made us imperishable, and He made us in the image of His own nature.
He has given us the privilege of being His Chosen people and we are assured of His grace and mercy.
Yet we must trust in God to understand the truth, i.e. that those who are faithful will live with God in love.
Love does not take any privilege for granted. In fact the fruit of love is humility and gratefulness and thanksgiving.
In this Eucharist, let us humbly give thanks. That is our primary and fundamental duty to God.