Hab 1:2-3. 2, 2-4; Ps: 94:1-9
2 Tim 1:6-8. 13-14
Lk 17: 5-19
The “logic of the Gospel” prioritizes service over self-centeredness and counters the prevailing culture of individualism and materialism. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus proclaims, “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve” (Mk 10:45). This is the essence of Christ’s mission to humanity.
However, we are living in a world where values have changed so much. In Traditional African Societies, people prided themselves on offering help without any reward. Today, some people even solicit payment for assisting a stranger with directions. Apparently, many people now expect payment and reward for almost anything and everything.
The popular question is, “What is in it for me?”
People seem to be concerned more about personal benefit or advantage. How many of the ministers of the Church work without expecting to be thanked? In the political world, some candidates run for office to serve their own interests, rather than the community’s interests.
Jesus reminds us in the Gospel today that the measure of greatness in the Kingdom of God is not status, but sacrificial service. True disciples serve God without entitlement.
If serving God is hinged on reward or recognition, we may easily grow weary in serving God. Where there is lack of tangible and immediate results in the mission, some may stop serving God. In situations where we do not experience the blessings of God and the praise of people, we may easily give up.
To serve God joyfully without expecting praise and reward, we need a mature faith. This is what the apostles realized, and so they said to the Lord, “Increase our faith”. They thought they needed huge faith to do what appeared to be too big a task.
Jesus teaches them that the size of their faith did not matter; what mattered was that they had genuine faith, even as small as a mustard seed.
Genuine and mature faith is total dependence on God and his power alone. A mature faith acknowledges God as God and trusts him. Faith liberates us from seeking our own glory or being swallowed up by tribulations and helps us to see the power and love of God at work in our lives.
When we are faced with a situation like that of Habakkuk, a society marked by injustice, where violence and might are glorified, and the weak are kept in their place, faith can empower us to overcome challenges and foster positive change.
As alluded to in the second reading, sometimes we may feel that our faith is like a flame that has died down to ashes. The trials and tribulations of life can sometimes undermine our faith. When life is a struggle, we wonder where God is. Paul calls on Timothy to fan into a flame the gift that God gave him, the gift of faith.
The question we might want to ask God is the one raised by Teresa of Avila in her poem entitled, ‘In the Hands of God’, where she says, “Yours I am, for You I was born, what do you want from me?”
As we gather to receive the Eucharist today, let us remember that we are united with Christ, who empowers us by faith to live a life of humble service, imitating his example in our daily lives.