Then He sat down, called the twelve and said to them, “If someone wants to be first, let him be last and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). A brother’s life is one of servitude and obedience, imitating Christ who is our model in all things. Christ who took the form of a slave and humbled himself, loved all dearly because He saw all as sons of the Father to whom He was obedient even unto death (Phil 2: 7-8).

The joyful servant in the Vineyard of the Lord seeks as St. Therésè of Liseux did, to suffer and even rejoice in service and love, doing all things with great love. They are inspired and nourished by the fruit of their labour because their service and love covers a multitude of sins (Prov. 10:12), because their sacrifice feeds the flames of the burning love and desire of the Lord to save all souls and because they know that they can only be filled with the richer and deeper graces the almighty sower wishes to pour into their souls if they themselves empty themselves out for others.

As lesser brothers, we must truly be eager to wash the feet of others and seek opportunities of humility and service, never returning to the vomit of our wills, but in perfect joy seek to be united in our service and sufferings to the Cross, bearing all for the love of God in patience and happiness.We must truly plunge ourselves deeper into living authentically the Capuchin Spirituality, ever submitting Brother Ass to the way of the Cross and like St. Ignatius of Santhia be strengthened by the truth that, in obedience, we can do all things. Then we shall be true and worthy servants.

- Br. Tansi Mary, CFR