What does a life of continual service to God look like?
Serving the Lord continually is one of the central themes of the Book of Daniel. King Darius describes Daniel this way twice, once as he’s thrown into the lions’ den, and again the next morning when he returns to find him alive:
“Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20)
The way Darius describes Daniel sounds like a badge of honor. It’s a recognition of Daniel’s faithfulness and trust in the Lord.
The Paradox of Serving
Serving God and neighbor as a way of life is not exactly the lifestyle our popular culture encourages today. Yet, as Christian men, it is what we are called to do. True happiness and fulfillment come not from selfishly pursuing our own pleasure, ego, success, or approval of the world, but from self-giving, sacrificial love of Christ and others. We could call it the paradox of serving: the more we serve the Lord, the more we give ourselves away, the more we lay down our life for our loved ones, the more fulfilled we become.
Serviam: I Will Serve
Many disciplines of St. Michael’s Lent are designed to help us say yes to a life of continual service. ‘No snoozing the alarm clock in the morning’ is one of such disciplines. This practice, commonly known as the heroic minute, inspired by St. Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei, consists of rising the moment the alarm goes off. Many members of Opus Dei extend this practice by kneeling, kissing the floor, and saying “Serviam!”, Latin for “I will serve.” Tradition holds this was St. Michael’s cry to Lucifer’s “I will not serve” (Non serviam), when God put his angels to the test.
Continual Service Through Ceaseless Prayer
Daniel was able to serve the Lord continually because he sought His presence continually. Service of God is only possible when we live in ceaseless prayer, showing up for God each day. Reflect on how you can serve God continually during this season of prayer and fasting. Ask for the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel to have the strength and courage to repeat each morning upon waking: Serviam, I will serve.
What would your life of continual service to the Lord look like? Find out by signing up for St. Michael’s Lent, starting August 12th, and invite a few brothers to join you!
