27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
05th October 2025
Lectionary Readings: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4; Psalm 95:1-2. 6-7. 8-9;
2 Timothy 1:6-8. 13-14; Luke 17:5-10
Theme: How Much Faith Is Enough: Transforming Doubt into Hope
Through the Deconstruction of Faith. (Luke 17:5-10)
“We do not choose to be created, nor do we choose how we are made.” – Morpheus (The Sandman S2). This powerful line from the Netflix series sparks a profound reflection on the journey of increasing our faith, as highlighted in cf. Luke 17:5, CSB p 1469-1471. The essence of the series transcends the storyline, delving deeply into the realms of religion and spirituality. It thoughtfully explores themes of death and faith, resonating with contemporary beliefs and serving as a time capsule of modern aspirations about life and existence. The spiritual connections to the Gospel are evident today in Luke 17:5-10, prompting us to ponder: How much faith is enough? This journey encourages us to transform doubt into hope through the deconstruction of faith.
Let’s explore the profound connection between the Sunday readings and our faith, much like a mustard seed that transforms into something remarkable. In cf. Habakkuk 1:2-3 CSB p 1293-1294, the prophet earnestly laments to God, asking, “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen?” This sincere plea reflects his deep frustration with the violence and wrongdoing surrounding him. In response, Habakkuk 2:2-4 reveals God’s instruction to write the vision clearly, emphasizing that the righteous shall live by their faithfulness. This passage beautifully illustrates the delicate balance between maintaining faith and facing the harsh realities of injustice, while underscoring God’s promise that justice will ultimately prevail. Habakkuk’s decision to wait exemplifies patience and faith. He is not idle; instead, he actively seeks God’s guidance, embodying both humility and expectation. This practice of waiting is essential for believers, teaching us to trust in God’s timing, even when answers feel far away. Moreover, God’s directive to write the vision clearly reinforces the importance of effective communication, especially concerning divine revelations. The phrase “that he may run who reads it” suggests that those who receive the message should act swiftly, highlighting the urgency and significance of God’s word. Ultimately, verse 3 assures us that the vision is destined for a specific time and will undoubtedly come to fruition. This highlights a central biblical principle: while the fulfillment of God’s promises may require patience, they are reliable and trustworthy. The encouragement to “wait for it” serves as a powerful reminder that faith encompasses both patience and trust in God’s perfect plan. In conclusion, Habakkuk 2:1-3 beautifully underscores the need to wait for God’s revelation; articulate the vision with clarity; and wholeheartedly trust in God’s timing for fulfillment. This approach can profoundly enrich our spiritual journey and deepen our faith.
Let’s explore the connection between cf. Psalm 95:1-2, Psalm 95:6-7, and Psalm 95:8-9 (CSB p 798). “Psalm 95:1-2” vv. 1 “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” vv. 2 “Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” “Psalm 95:6-7” vv. 6 “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;” vv. 7 “For he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. “Psalm 95:1 invites us to worship, emphasizing that the Lord is our source of strength and foundation. The call for thanksgiving and praise arises from our relationship with God as His creations. This psalm resonates with both lively and solemn tones, reflecting the experiences of the generation that perished in the wilderness. This theme beautifully connects with the second reading from “cf. 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 CSB p 1692”. This passage underscores the significance of faith, courage, and divine empowerment, encouraging us to face challenges and share the Gospel boldly. “2 Timothy 1:6” states, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” This verse emphasizes the necessity of activating and utilizing the spiritual gifts bestowed upon us.
In context, Paul inspires Timothy to remember the spiritual gift linked to his ministry. The phrase “stir up” suggests passion and action in using one’s gifts for service. Various sources highlight the significance of unique talents, reminding us that everyone possesses distinct gifts to nurture and share. Upon reflecting on this text, we clearly see St. Paul providing encouragement to develop these gifts rather than allowing them to remain dormant. This reinforces the idea of active faith and service. The verses inspire believers to engage with their God-given abilities and pursue their calling wholeheartedly.
In Luke 17:5-10, the apostles boldly ask Jesus to increase their faith, expressing their desire for strength in the face of His challenging teachings, especially regarding forgiveness and discipleship responsibilities. Jesus responds by affirming that even the tiniest amount of faith can achieve monumental things. He illustrates this with the metaphor of a mustard seed, showing that true power lies not in the quantity of our faith, but in its quality and in God, the ultimate object of that faith. This teaches us that the effectiveness of our faith isn’t measured by its size; even a small, genuine faith can lead to incredible outcomes, reminding us to rely on God rather than solely on our own strength. Through a parable about a servant’s duty, Jesus emphasizes obedience and humility. Just as a servant does not expect gratitude for his/her work, disciples should obey God’s commands without seeking recognition, viewing themselves as unworthy servants fulfilling their obligations. This profound lesson reinforces the importance of humility and the essence of serving God selflessly. The passage beautifully underscores the high calling of discipleship, where faith and obedience are inextricably linked. Jesus encourages us to focus on our responsibilities rather than waiting for greater faith to act. Luke 17:5-10 inspires us to trust in God’s power, regardless of how small our faith may seem, and to serve with a humble heart, recognizing our duty as followers of Christ. It invites us to truly reflect on our faith and how it translates into action and service in our lives.
We can see in Luke 17:5 some related verses;
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”–cf. 2 Corinthians 5:7 CSB p 1626
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”–cf. Hebrews 11:6 CSB p 1716
“And Jesus said to them, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”–cf. Mark 9:23 CSB p 1419
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”–cf. Romans 10:17 CSB p 1507
“And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”–cf. Matthew 21:22 CSB p 1378
Faith transcends mere belief in God’s existence; it embodies a profound trust in Him throughout our lives. We must strive for our faith to be a deep, heartfelt trust rather than just a surface-level belief. Like the apostles, who recognized the need for their faith to grow through Jesus’ teachings and miracles, we too are called to nurture our faith so it may flourish. This nurturing might involve dedicating more time to prayer, exploring scripture, and joining a supportive faith community where we can grow together. When the apostles sought an increase in their faith, they expressed a deep desire for a closer relationship with God. Likewise, we should cultivate relationships that allow our faith to thrive being open to God’s guidance and stepping out of our comfort zones to connect with others on the faith journey.
As our faith deepens, we become stronger in challenging times and more compassionate toward those around us. Reflecting on Luke 17:5 reminds us of the significance of asking God to increase our faith. This heartfelt plea resonates with many of us during difficult moments. We are not expected to possess perfect faith; we are encouraged to trust in God even amidst uncertainty. Faith is not the absence of doubt but the fuel that drives us forward, empowering us to face our doubts. If our faith could only perceive the present moment, it wouldn’t truly be faith. In every moment, we can ask God to increase our faith and grant us the vision to see as He sees. Seeking increased faith humbly acknowledges our reliance on God, reminding us that we never outgrow our need for His strength. Our faith journey is a daily commitment to engagement, reflection, and willingness to follow God’s direction. Let’s establish a habit of seeking God’s help not just for ourselves but also to uplift one another in our communities. By embracing humility, fostering relationships, and pursuing growth, we can inspire one another and deepen our faith together!
“Had I a thousand lives, all these to Him shall I offer.”
-St. Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila
Filipino saint and Martyr
For Reflection and Discussion: 1. How can we enhance and fortify our faith? Am I exploring my personal beliefs or seeking deeper assurance?
Bibliography: Donald Senior, ET Al; The Catholic Study Bible 3rd Edition (2010); The New American Bible, Saint Joseph Edition (2011); The Catholic Prayer Bible 1993; Brown R.E; An Introduction to the New Testament (1997) The Gospel According to Luke p250;Liddell & Scott’s: Greek-English Lexicon (1889);McKenzie, J.L. Dictionary of the Bible (NewYork:1965);
This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Dunhill Malunar Timkang, Jerusalem – Israel, Bat Kol Secretary
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