The Servant Song

By Stacey LaMorte

Want to see a grown woman cry? Watch me when “The Servant Song” is played during Mass. I wish I were kidding. I have always liked that song and how it speaks of being a servant to others and being Christ-like.

About two years ago the song changed for me, though, and became even more meaningful. I was feeling particularly laden with all that life had going on (what is the word I use? “abundant” – life was abundant!), and I was feeling a little sorry for myself.

Part of the problem was that I was trying to be Wonder Woman. I had people offer to help me with various things that I had going on, but I guess I felt like I had to do it all myself to ensure it would be done the way I wanted it to be done.

Well, my friends, that is pride. And pride is a sin, a mortal sin at that!

That Sunday in Mass, our beautiful choir at St. Francis Xavier sang “The Servant Song” and that quote hit me like a fist to the gut. Not only does the song ask the question, “Will you let me be your servant, let me be like Christ to you?” but it also asks the listener to, “Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.”

When we allow others to help us, it makes them feel good. It is a gift you are giving to them. It is a grace. So, as parents, let us allow our children to see us accept help and acts of service from others.

Let your children do things to help you to the best of their ability so that they can feel the gift of doing for others and teach them how to show gratitude for others when they do something nice for them.