Entitled Not

Author: Chrisma C. Bangaoil
Like Mary, may we use our blessings to serve others, putting their needs before our own.
Reflection Date: December 21, 2024 Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
Daily Readings: Song of Songs 2:8-14 (or Zephaniah 3:14-18a); Luke 1:39-45

‘Entitlement’ – we hear a lot of this word today. Many feel entitled, either because of the titles before our names or the letters after them. We may feel entitled because we know someone with a title or are somewhat related to them. Our positions, too, give us a sense of entitlement. And don’t we just want to pose and sit beside someone in a position of authority, say a bishop or even a parish priest? Entitlement makes us feel we have the right to be ahead of or above everyone else.

Today’s Gospel speaks of the opposite of entitlement. Mary, having just received the news that she is going to be the mother of Jesus, our Savior, traveled to the hill country in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth and take care of her, having heard about Elizabeth’s pregnancy in her old age.

Mary could have set herself apart and demanded attention. After all, she was going to be the mother of Jesus. But Mary did not. She did not take her title to demand service, but to offer service to her cousin.

May we all learn from Mary. May we, who identify with Christ, live in selfless service to others. May we, who know Christ, be willing to put forward not our own interests, but the interests of those who need love and care. No true follower of Christ is entitled to anything at the expense of someone else. What we have should not only serve our interests but also the interests of the weak, the least, the lost, and the needy.

A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Follow Mary's example of selfless service—serve others with humility, putting their needs before your own.