PRAYING FOR FAITH
Introduction: In today's liturgy, we listen to various details about the necessity of having faith in our relationship with God, in our relationship with our neighbour and in our relationship with nature. When apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith, the Lord seems to say: "I'm glad you asked for an increase of faith. Because, if you had faith even the size of a tiny mustard seed, you would have power to command trees to be uprooted and transplanted into the sea." The Jerome Biblical commentary explains our Lord's words as an acknowledgement that faith is indeed a key factor in our lives, but also as a caution that it is the quality rather than the quantity of faith that need to be increased.
First Reading: Habakkuk 1: 2 to 3 and 2: 2 to 4
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1: 6 to 8 and 12 to 14
Gospel Reading: Luke 17: 5 to 10
*First reading is from the book of prophet Habakkuk. Habakkuk begins with a protest about human violence and misery. He is desperate and pleads with the Lord God. He is faced with political insecurity on the one hand and widespread idolatry on the other hand. The Lord God responds by promising him that He will save those who trust in Him. He gives him courage and strength to face the imminent trails. The Lord God assures him that the righteous person will live by his faith.
*Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Timothy. Paul urges Timothy to continue to preach and persevere in the faith that he received from God. Timothy is asked to accept his share of sufferings for the Gospel. Paul instructs Timothy and us that we should never be afraid or be ashamed of bearing witness to Christ who has strengthened us by His Holy Spirit.
'Lord, increase our faith' Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The Apostles realize their own lack of faith. Consequently, they request Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus gives two teachings in this context. In the first part, Jesus explains to them about faith as small as a mustard seed. Such a faith, He says, is powerful enough to uproot even a sycamore tree and plant it in the sea. Transplanting a tree in the ocean is nothing short of a spectacular miracle and in human terms practically impossible. In the second part of the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that to have faith in God is to carryout our responsibilities in life quietly and with total dedication. In His own life, Jesus puts His faith into His daily activities. As a result, He feeds the five thousand with five loaves and two small fish. He heals many who were affected by dreaded diseases and evil powers. He cures the blind and the deaf and even raises the dead to life. By His own examples, Jesus makes the Apostles realize what faith can accomplish in their lives. Today, Jesus is inviting all of us to have faith in God in all challenging situations in life. Then, we too will be able to do many mighty works in our lives and in the lives of others. Like the Apostles, we too need to pray for and increase in faith. In this context St. Augustine says: "Faith is to believe what you do not see, the reward of faith is to see what you believe." St. Thomas Aquinas says: "To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible."
Conclusion: Jesus Himself never defined faith in the Gospels. But from all He said about it, we might define it as an unconditional acceptance of Jesus as the Son of God. We have faith, then, if we believe in the words of Jesus spoke and in the power He possesses. It does not always follow that faith will give us power to literally move trees. But faith will give us power to cope with difficulties, overcome obstacles and attempt great things for the Lord.
May the Lord Jesus, bless you and grant you a living faith, so that even though it be like a tiny mustard seed, its power will penetrate your whole being and through you permeate the whole world. Amen.
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