THE APOSTLES SAID TO THE LORD, “INCREASE OUR FAITH!''
This Sunday’s readings invite us to think in terms of trust and faithfulness. They remind us to be patient.
Habbakuk in the First Reading feels the Lord isn’t listening when he asks why nothing is being done about the violence and outrage he sees. But the Lord reassures him that whatever the surrounding circumstances, the upright person will remain faithful, trusting in God.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches about faith and service when the apostles ask him, ‘Increase our faith!’ He moves them away from considering faith as a quantity, to putting into practice what faith they do have. Jesus uses the size of a mustard seed to demonstrate the power of that faith. In the parable following, he then cautions the disciples about knowing one's place in God's plans, rather than having an attitude of ‘what’s in it for me?’ Our relationship with God is to be one of total and unconditional love and service.
Let’s pray for a deepening of our own faith and trust in God, and for guidance to use our precious God-given gifts with a servant’s heart.
Source: Scripture reflection prepared for St Beuono's Outreach, Diocese of Wrexham available at www.australiancatholics.com.au/.