No Entitlement

Author: Chrisma C. Bangaoil
Embrace humility, serve selflessly, and live with grace.
Reflection Date: December 29, 2024 Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Daily Readings: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52

Today’s feast reminds us that Jesus was born into a family—He had human parents and lived as an obedient child to Joseph and Mary. This sends us a strong message that Jesus did not feel entitled. He was a child to Joseph and Mary.

Today, we have what is often called entitlement syndrome. We see this everywhere. We use our positions, even our associations with people in power, as a ticket to getting ahead of others or demanding things of ourselves. This syndrome makes us focus too much on ourselves. We think about what we can get rather than what we can give. We think about what others should do for us rather than what we can do for others.

We are not entitled to anything. May we learn from the humility of Jesus. May we choose to think of others more than we think of ourselves. May we use our positions and status in life to serve? After all, everything that we have and everything that we are is grace.

A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Let go of entitlement and embrace humility. Serve others selflessly, using your position and status to give, not to demand. Live with grace and generosity.