The “unprofitable servants” who have done only what they were obliged to do, and presumably no more, call to mind the distinction Saint Bernard draws between the slave, the servant, and the son. The slave obeys out of fear; the servant works for his wages; but the son acts out of love for his father. Both the slave and the servant remain, in different ways, self-focused, preoccupied with securing their own needs and desires. Consequently, they do only what is required of them. Only the son, forgetful of self in his love for the father, takes to heart Jesus’ admonition to go the extra mile. Our entire Christian and monastic life of ongoing conversion encompasses this difficult journey: from slavish fear and self-interested service into the glorious freedom of the sons and daughters of God, who lovingly stand ready to do more than duty requires. As we honor the great Saint Leo, who repeatedly went the extra mile in service to Christ and the Church, we would do well to ask ourselves what we are at this moment: slave, servant, or loving son or daughter?