Concept of service
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the meaning of service as a divine wisdom embedded in God’s creation: all nature was created to serve (light, water, sun, animals…) and talents were also given to people to serve the community. Service is not confined to priestly vocation or teaching alone; it is a general duty for every person according to what God has apportioned to them in ability and field.
Components and qualities of service
True service is based on love, giving and sacrifice (time, effort, money, health), humility, spiritual zeal, and activity. Service must be practical not only verbal; “let us not love in word or speech but in deed and truth.” Without giving, service becomes sterile.
Types of service
The Pope distinguishes between duty service (officially assigned) and voluntary service (motivated by conscience and love). There are spiritual services (guidance, example, establishing a relationship with God), and social, cultural and educational services (serving the sick, the poor, children, youth, the elderly, orphans…).
Practical and spiritual examples
He gives examples: Christ and the apostles were servants, and among service functions are reconciliation, sacraments ministry, altar service, and teaching. Service can be in profession, at home, or in the street; a helpful person appears everywhere seeking to comfort others.
Importance of serving children and youth
Child formation is decisive: a child is born and is affected by society, so positive service is needed to build virtues, protect their speech and behavior and faith, and to memorize verses and hymns to nourish the spirit and creed at an early age.
Hidden service and warnings
Noble service is sometimes hidden: providing needs before they are asked for. The Pope warns against exploiting service for display, authority, or leadership; this takes the servant away from the essence of service into self-building and false glory.
Spiritual conclusion
Service is a general calling: every person is invited to serve according to their share and field, with love, giving, and humility, to serve spiritually, physically, mentally, and psychologically, to be a practical example to others, avoiding domination and hypocrisy.
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