Scripture:
Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Luke 17:5-10
Reflection:
What is being asked of us is not to have more knowledge of our catechism, but to have a much deeper and stronger trust and confidence that our God is near us, even when God seems so far away. That doesn’t mean our faith will eradicate hardships and difficulties. Being a faithful disciple of Christ is never going to be a tea party. God has promised his love but never promised us a life free of suffering. Let us not forget: “He did not spare his own Son.” In the darkness we ask only what Paul the Apostle asked: “Stir into flame the gift of God… For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.”
The disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responds by speaking about a servant doing his duty. I believe what Jesus is saying is reflected in the words of Edgar Guest as found in “Doing the Gospel.”
I would rather see a sermon than to hear one any day…
I’d rather one should walk with me…than merely tell the way…
The best of all the preachers are the ones who live their creeds…
For to see good put to action…is what everybody needs…
I soon can learn to do it…if you will let me see it done…
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue, too fast may run…
And the lecture you deliver maybe e very wise and true…
But I’d rather get my lessons…by observing what you do…
For I might misunderstand you…and the high advice you give…
But there’s no misunderstanding…how you act and how you live.
“And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.'”
Fr. Don Webber, C.P., is the director of the Office of Mission Effectiveness. He resides in Chicago.