Spiritual Message from Fr Elijah
There is an interesting thing I read in a book by Anthony Coniaris. He was reflecting on how we can learn something from observing the cabin crew on an aircraft.
While on the flight, the cabin crew will smile and do their best to attend to the needs of the passengers. If someone is struggling to fit their bag in the overhead locker, they will rush to assist any way they can. And of course, a glass of water or a bag of peanuts will quickly be provided if requested!
However, once the plane reaches its destination and cabin crew and passengers alike are waiting for their bags at the carousel, it is a very different scenario. They crew will not look right or left, they have no obligation to help someone struggling with their bag, and certainly no obligation to give them water or peanuts! It is no criticism of the crew of course, it is simply the nature of their work. Their shift is over. The expectation of service to the passenger is over.
We should reflect on this scenario as Christians and especially servants. Do I see my obligation to serve others to be only in a certain place, at a certain time, in the presence of certain people? Do I have a shift which starts and finishes? Or is it a way of life?
As St Paul says, ““Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;” Romans 12:10-11