Tek SengDr. Tan

DAILY REFLECTION

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭45‬ ‭

In a world obsessed with ambition, status, and self-promotion, it’s easy to mistake noise for nobility. But heaven sees differently. True greatness walks quietly - clothed in humility, driven by love, and willing to be misunderstood for the sake of others.

In 625 AD, an old hermit named Vitalis entered the sin-stained streets of Alexandria. Night after night, people watched him slip into brothels and whispered: “A holy man turned hypocrite.” His reputation crumbled. But behind those closed doors, Vitalis offered no sin - only salvation.

He came not to indulge, but to redeem. He paid for the freedom of women the world had discarded. He gave them rest, honest work, and the dignity of a new beginning. And though the city mocked him, he never defended himself. He bore their shame so they could walk free.

One night, a man, angry and misled, beat Vitalis to death. The city cheered, believing justice had been served. But then, one by one, the women he had rescued stepped forward. They told the truth: the “sinner” had been their savior.

Vitalis became a saint — not because he sought glory, but because he chose silence over self-defense, compassion over reputation, and love over pride.

His life reminds us that sometimes the holiest act is to be misunderstood if it means protecting the vulnerable.

Mark 10:45 revealed the depth of Jesus’ mission: to set humanity free from the bondage of sin and death. Jesus offered His own life as that price—voluntarily taking our place, bearing the punishment we deserved, and restoring us to relationship with God. Believers are called to lay down their pride, comfort, and reputation to serve, to give, and to love sacrificially just like the way of Christ.

“Be kind and compassionate to those who are vulnerable.”