Readings: Habakkuk 1:2-3,2:2-4, Ps. 95:1-2,6-9 2 Timothy 1:6-8,13-14 Luke 17:5-10
“If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, ‘Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:6)
Last Sunday, Jesus told us the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, a powerful illustration of the need for us to avoid being indifferent to the plight of others suffering around us. If things are good for you, remember that many Lazaruses are lurking around you; help them even when they lack the courage to ask you directly.
Our Gospel passage today begins with a prayer from the twelve apostles of Jesus: “Lord, increase our Faith!” What prompted this prayer? Reading verse 1 of Luke 17, we hear Jesus teaching two essential topics: the avoidance of scandal and the Forgiveness of others, which are continually emphasised. The Apostles, having examined their own hearts, realised they had not fared very well in this regard. They wondered how possible it would be to do what Jesus is saying, so they begged Him to increase their faith. In response, Jesus teaches us some important lessons about Faith.
1. Faith Works Regardless of Size.
As Jesus puts it: “If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamore tree, ‘Be rooted up and planted in the sea’ and it would obey you.” One of the unique characteristics of the sycamore tree is its enormous roots, which can extend as far as sixty feet around the tree, making it an almost impossible task to uproot. Moreover, Jesus added that you could ask this tree to be planted in the sea, and it would obey you, which is another impossibility, given that a tree of that nature does not grow in the sea. In other words, Jesus is saying that with faith as little as a mustard seed, we can do the impossible.
Faith does not work according to size; if there is even the slightest iota of faith in you, you will accomplish wonders. Faith, by itself, is big enough to enable us to do the impossible. Jesus only used the concept of a mustard seed to illustrate the point that when it comes to faith, size does not matter. I have seen many Christians who buy and chew mustard seeds in the hope that their faith would increase. This is one clear example of reading the Bible out of context.
2. Faith is Patience in Tough Times.
Having shown the power of faith to accomplish the impossible, Jesus goes on to explain how faith works. Like good servants who have worked all day for their master, we do not receive immediate rewards. The servant must wait for the Master to finish his meal before he can have something to eat. This means believing in God is one thing, but being rewarded for our faith entirely depends on God. The servant does not grumble when the Master refuses to thank him for the work well done; instead, he waits for the Master.
Simply put, faith is patience. No wonder the book of Hebrews describes faith as the “assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1). In other words, to have faith is to always remember that we are merely servants of God; the Master who knows how best to take care of His Children, the Master who will not give us scorpion when we ask for egg and will not give us a snake when we ask for fish. (Cf. Luke 11:11-13).
3. The Righteous Shall Live by Faith.
Our first reading today addresses one of the questions that often baffles us as Christians: “Why do we continue to experience misfortunes despite our holiness and uprightness?” The Prophet Habakkuk wonders: “Why do you make me see wrongs and look upon trouble?” In response, God says to him: “For still, the vision awaits its time; it hastens to the end – it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come. It will not delay… the righteous shall live by his faith.” (Hab. 2:2-4).
This teaches us that faith in God is not a shield against tough times; it is rather a defence that keeps us going in tough times. Faith is remaining steadfast when it seems as if our prayers are brushed aside. Faith is deciding never to give up on God, no matter what happens. As Job was tested, we face various forms of testing daily, but it is faith alone that sustains us. St. Paul writing to Timothy in our second reading today says: “Do not be ashamed of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but take your share of suffering for the Gospel in the power of God.” (2nd Tim. 1:8).
What kept Jesus going when he had to carry the cross amidst the laughter and mockery of the crowd and the brutality of soldiers? How was Jesus able to remain silent when he stood before Herod? The answer is faith. Without this strong faith, we would find ourselves falling away from God when the going gets tough. Jesus knew this and warned us ahead of time, saying: “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” (Matthew 16:24-26, Mark 8:34-36, Luke 9:23-25)
Conclusion
Faith is not just for the good times. Faith is that which sustains us in bad times. According to St. Augustine: “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” It is not easy to live a righteous life when things are not going smoothly, but do not forget that faith is a form of patience. Trust that God will never leave you forsaken. Never give up on God.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, you said to the man who brought his son to your disciples for healing: “All things are possible to him who believes.” Like that man, I cry to you now: “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24). We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Habakkuk 1:2-3,2:2-4, Ps. 95:1-2,6-9 2 Timothy 1:6-8,13-14 Luke 17:5-10)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu