Obliged

“When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” (Luke 17:10)
The first thought that came to me after reading today’s Gospel was, “How am I obliged?” Scurrying to find the definition, I read in the Merriam-Webster dictionary: “to make someone legally or morally bound to an action or course of action” or “Indebted or grateful.” 
As toddlers, we are indebted to our parents for everything. Our entire life centers around the positive responses we get from completing our parent’s requests. Their acknowledgment when we take the right action or offer the correct verbal cue reinforces that sense of accomplishment. As adults, we still seek recognition from our boss, our spouse, and sometimes from our parents. But above all, we should recognize that we are indebted to the Lord and do what we do for Him. 
I am very grateful and appreciative when someone helps me. If I feel obliged to complete that particular task, I find myself in a win-win situation. Either I am fulfilling my responsibilities or receiving assistance from someone. The common thread in both scenarios is humility, either acting with humility or accepting help with humility. Without it, where is God in our actions? 
Jesus provided us with many examples, such as today’s Gospel about the mustard seed. Yet, we often hesitate when called to help someone in need. This is where obligation becomes negative and feels like a burden that leads us astray. According to the Catechism, the Church, “urged on by the Spirit of Christ, must walk the same path that Christ himself walked,” (CCC 852) the humble servant. If you give everything to Our Lord, He will give back 100 times over. 
When you are obliged, are you morally compelled or thankful? Can you honestly say you have done all you were obliged to do? We must approach our obligations with firm faith and ask God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. For without faith, "obliged" becomes nothing more than a seven-letter word. 
By Marti Garcia