27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 05, 2025
Readings: Habakkuk 1:2–3; 2:2–4; Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9; 2 Timothy 1:6–8, 13–14; Luke 17:5–10
Faith is the greatest force in the world. Even that which looks completely impossible becomes possible if it is approached with faith. Often, we are worried for no reason! A senior person may worry because his or her children are away for the moment, and the person feels lonely. Or the worry about one's senior years may trouble him or her. A young person may worry about one's grades in studies, finding the right job and getting settled down, even though the person may be on the way to completing studies, has applied for a job or has plans to settle down in life. Things are going to happen, and they are on the way for the best of our abilities and time, yet we worry about those things which have not left us in delusion. Getting worried about things, even though they might not have any consequences immediately, seems to be a natural phenomenon that all of us go through. In this context, we have powerful readings on this Sunday's liturgy. Jesus says have faith and that will settle you.
Robin1. Faith is cultivated and not bought
The Gospel this Sunday, Luke 17:5–10 opens with the heartfelt plea of the apostles: “Lord, increase our faith!” It is a prayer of everyone. All of us look for a strong sense of faith. Faith is not something we can manufacture or produce in a factory by our own strength; it cannot be bought; it is a gift that grows when we remain close to the Lord. Jesus reminds us that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains, uproot trees, and do what seems impossible to our eyes. The point is not the size of our faith, but the presence of genuine trust in God. A small but living faith, surrendered to God, can unleash His power in ways far beyond our imagination.
Sometimes, we feel so miserable and feel like giving up. It is not because we have no capabilities, talents, strength, dedication, but rather we do not believe in ourselves, and in the strength of our God to whom we pray every day! We are lost in our world of imagination, which seems to be a failure. We try to compare with others and see ourselves as failures. We blame ourselves or others because we have not made use of the opportunities that God has given to us, or taken risks in life. We loved to be in comfort zones. We felt good at that time. When others have made big progress in life and have achieved something, we feel that God has not been kind to me. Therefore, Jesus says to us, "Come on, have faith," "take up your cross and follow me."
2. Approaching faith with God's Power and our readiness to say yes to it
In the same Gospel passage, Jesus gives us an image of a servant who is fulfilling his duty after a heavy day. The Master's words might sound harsh at first. But there is something important here. In our relationship with God, faith is not a transaction where we “earn” blessings by doing good works. Instead, discipleship means living in obedience, recognizing that all we are and all we accomplish is grace. We are called to serve out of love, not for reward or recognition. It also tells us that we can never put God in our debt and can never have any claim on him. When we have done our best, we have done only our duty; The servant here has done his duty and has done only what, in any event, he could be compelled to do.
God has blessed us with everything, and only we know how best to use them. Then there would not be any blame game. Let us think of the number of scientific marvels, of the number of surgical operations, of the number of inventions mankind has made. A good number of people may not even know how the internet is produced. If we approach a thing saying, "It can't be done," it will not; if we approach it saying, "It must be done," the chances are that it will. We must always remember that we approach no task alone, but that with us there is God and all his power.
3. Guarding the faith that is entrusted to us
St. Paul writes with tenderness to Timothy 1:6–14, his beloved son in the faith: “I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands.” This is both encouragement and challenge. Faith is not a one-time event but a living flame that must be nurtured. Like a fire, it can fade if left unattended. The Spirit within us calls for renewal, courage, and perseverance. Paul reminds Timothy—and us—that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but “a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.” Fear paralyzes; the Spirit empowers. Fear isolates; the Spirit unites us in love. Fear scatters our energy; the Spirit gives us discipline and focus to remain steadfast in faith. In times of trial, uncertainty, or even indifference, these words speak directly to our hearts.
Paul then exhorts Timothy to guard the “good treasure” entrusted to him. That treasure is the faith handed down, the Gospel proclaimed, the Spirit dwelling within. Guarding it does not mean locking it away in fear of losing it, but protecting it through faithful living, teaching, and witness. It is both a responsibility and a joy: what has been given freely to us is to be shared and lived with courage. God is with us, His Spirit dwells within us, and His strength sustains us. Like Timothy, we too are entrusted with the treasure of faith—meant not only to be safeguarded, but to shine in a world that longs for hope.
Questions for self-reflection
- How alive is the flame of faith within us?
- Are we nurturing it through prayer, sacraments, and service?
- Do we allow fear to hold us back, or do we step forward in the Spirit’s power, love, and self-discipline?
Prayer
Lord, stir into flame the gift of Your Spirit within me. Free me from fear and fill me with courage, love, and self-discipline, so that I may guard the treasure of faith and bear witness to You with joy. I make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.
Blog: Celebrate Faith
02 October 2025
3 comments:
Praise be to God
Dear Fr. Olvin,
Thank you for this beautiful reflection that speaks directly to the heart. Your words remind us that faith is not about being perfect or having all the answers - it's about trusting God even when we feel small and uncertain. The reminder that "we approach no task alone" brings such comfort, especially when we're caught in worry or comparing ourselves to others.
Your message about rekindling the gift of faith and stepping out of our comfort zones is exactly what many of us need to hear today. Thank you for helping us see that even our smallest faith, when placed in God's hands, can do the impossible.
With gratitude and blessings, Joilin
Thank you father for the reflection which emphasizes our trust in God's power and surrender ourselves to Him
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