Homilies

27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: FAITH AND SERVICE

AS THE APOSTLES approached Jerusalem, they feel the opposition to the mission of Jesus. They seem to be hopeless. They must have realized how difficult it is to follow Jesus faithfully during this critical moment. Thus, they ask a favor from Jesus.

First, the disciples’ request to Jesus was to increase their faith. It suggests that the disciples have the faith, but only little.  And they begged Jesus to increase their faith. Now, let us try to reflect further on this. We, believers, received this faith when we were baptized. Like the disciples, this faith started little and should grow to greater adequacy. When the disciples made a request to Jesus, it acknowledges that Jesus can do something to their little faith. Our faith can grow through grace because it is a gift of God. But our striving and effort can contribute to its growth. Like, for instance, reading the Word of God more regularly can make our faith grow. Or if we are consistent in our prayer life, this faith can also grow.

Second, the reply of Jesus was also worth reflecting. Jesus stresses the power of the smallest amount of faith and he uses the image of the tiny mustard seed. I have seen a mustard seed during my visit in the Holy Land. Indeed, it is very small that I could not imagine this transforms into a shrub or a tree. But the point of Jesus here is this: a faith which is deep-rooted can attain the impossible. We can see this kind of faith from people who pray in the Churches and shrines. We see the faces of the poor people when they pray, and that they bring with them this deep-rooted faith. As one theologian would say, “Faith is the power of those who have no power.”

Third, let us reflect on the second part of the gospel wherein Jesus gave a teaching on servanthood or service. St James has shown to us the inseparability of faith and good works. Here, in this gospel, we are shown the relationship between faith and service. The faith of Jesus is seen on his total trust and dependence on the Father, as well as on doing the will of the Father.

Jesus wants his disciples to do the same. Our faith tells us to love God and others. This love can be found in service because service is love-in-action. As servants, we simply do what is expected of us. However, our human tendency is to expect a reward from the service we render. We may think of a better reward in the afterlife, in the kingdom of God. But Jesus clarifies us that we should be motivated by the reward. Rather, our service is motivated by sheer faithfulness. We are simply God’s servants, thus, we simply do what we are obliged to do.

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