XXVII Sunday in OT[C]:Hb 1: 2-3--2: 2-4; II Tm 1: 6-8, 13-14; Lk 17: 5-10

XXVII Sunday in OT[C]:Hb 1: 2-3--2: 2-4; II Tm 1: 6-8, 13-14; Lk 17: 5-10

Introduction:  Jesus teaches his Apostles that faith is sharing in God’s power, and, hence, even in small quantities, it enables us to work miracles in our lives and in the lives of others. It is Faith which makes one just, putting him into right relation with God and neighbour.  In the Bible, Faith means reliance on, or confidence in, God, and Hope is the expectation of a better future. While the Apostles ask for an increase in the quantity of their faith Jesus reminds them that the quality of their faith is more important. Using a master-servant parable, Jesus also teaches them that, for faith to be effective, it must be linked with trust, obedience and total commitment.

Joke: A little boy wanted $100.00 very badly and his mother told him to pray to God with faith.  He prayed and prayed for two weeks, but nothing turned up.  Then he decided perhaps he should write God a letter requesting the $100.00. When the postal authorities received the letter addressed to God, they opened it up and decided to send it to the President. The President was so impressed and touched that he instructed his secretary to send the little boy a check for $5.00. He thought that this would appear to be a lot of money to a little boy. The little boy was delighted with the $5.00 and sat down to write a thank-you letter to God, which ran as follows: ”Dear God: Thank you very much for the money.  I noticed that you had to send it through Washington.  Dad said that as usual, they deducted $95.00 for themselves in the name of “Homeland Security” to save our country from terrorists.”

Exegesis: When Jesus demanded of his disciples that they respond with unconditional and unlimited forgiveness to their repentant offenders as we see in verses 3 and 4, the disciples asked Jesus for the Faith required to meet this demand. In addition, the Apostles were asking for greater confidence and trust in God, so that they might work the miracles which they had seen Jesus perform, like the withering of a fig-tree by a simple command. Jesus responded by telling them of the power of Faith, even a very little faith (verses 5 & 6).  He used the parables of the mustard seed and the good servant to help them understand the need for strong faith.

The parable of the mustard seed: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed." Faith is used here in three senses.  1) First, Faith means "trust."   People "have faith in their banks" because their accounts are insured.  Similarly, we must put our trust in the authority of God and in the truth of His doctrines. St. Paul defines Faith as confidence and certainty (Hebrews 11:1).  2) Second, Faith refers to assent to doctrines about God taught by Jesus and the Church (e.g., our belief in the truths listed in the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed).   3) Third, Faith   refers to a “bond” or “relationship,” with God.   Jesus tells us that if we have even a small relationship with our heavenly Father, we can do anything.  No matter how weak it seems, Faith is an overwhelming power.  Even a little Faith can direct our lives, comfort us when we are discouraged and challenge us when we are complacent.

Practical Applications: 1) We need to thank God, giving Him the credit for our well- being.  Following the example of the Apostles, we must pray for greater faith and trust in God.  Most of us are inclined to forget God’s providence when our earthly affairs are going well. 

2) We need to increase our faith by becoming dutiful servants of God.   A zealous Christian can speak more convincingly to his or her neighbor about the need for God and an upright life through his or her own daily actions than through explaining religious doctrines. A sincere Christian can find many ways to help to make Christ known to his neighbor. 

3) We must cultivate our Faith through prayer, Bible study, and leading a well-disciplined spiritual life. Faith is the gift of God. So we must pray that God will increase our Faith. Time spent with God in prayer is fundamental to the development of Faith.

Introduction:  (XXVII)Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Message:  Faith is a gracious gift from God.  It can neither be earned nor bought, only responded to with works of love and service.  A vibrant faith can make us strong, loving  and wise, confident that God will guard us from all harm.  God is the Rock of our salvation.

Saints and Events in this week:  7-Seventh-Monday-Our Lady of the Rosary; 9-Nineth-Wednesday-Saints Denis, bishop, and companions, martyrs; Saint John Leonardi, priest;