Sunday 06 October 2019

                         (Luke 17:5-10)

The strength to remain faithful in the face of adversity, the capacity to forgive, and the courage to do what we ought to do without seeking recognition or reward are perennial challenges for most people. According to the Lukan Jesus, it takes faith to meet such challenges. The devastating fires in the Amazon forests and in north-eastern Australia are testing the faith of those who have devoted  much of their energy, even their whole lives, to speaking truth to power about the need for action to offset the effects of global warming. And yet these people remain faithful, finding the strength to forgive and the courage to do what must be done for the sake of our common home.

Today’s gospel reading brings to closure the central section of the long journey narrative that recounts the teaching of the Lukan Jesus on his way from Samariato the final events of his life in Jerusalem. The “apostles” ask Jesus to increase their faith. Their request is in itself an act of faith. He has been telling them to be on their guard. He has been emphasising the importance of endless and unconditional forgiveness. These disciples are well aware that to keep on forgiving those who offend repeatedly is not easy. It is in this context that they ask him to increase the faith. Jesus responds by insisting that even the smallest amount of faith can work wonders. His metaphorical language stretches the imagination. Even transplanting a mulberry tree from land to sea becomes possible through the power of a faith-infused word! They have no answer to this.

Luke seems to be invoking “faith” in much the same way as does Habakkuk in today’s first reading which closes with a comparison between the proud whose “spirit is not right” and the just who “live by faith” (Hab. 2:4). The Hebrew word for faith in this passage is probably better translated as “fidelity” or “faithfulness”. For the Lukan Jesus, a little fidelity or faithfulness goes a long way. Among other things, it enables us to keep on forgiving even wilful ignorance and to keep on acting for justice.

Finally, Jesus puts a number of questions to his disciples, questions that align their status with that of slaves in the service of a master. His questions provide a stark contrast with an example he has offered earlier in the gospel where the slave master serves the faithful slaves (12:37). These questions are consistent, however, with his insistence that true disciples do not seek the reward of honour or recompense for their service. Jesus’ followers must admit that their service is “unprofitable” in that it is no more than is required of them. Power, status, wealth acquired at the expense of others, refusal to forgive, all run counter to the path of gospel fidelity. To live by faith in our times is to be humble, forgiving, just and unremittingly attentive to the
cry of the earth.

Veronica Lawson RSM (Catholic Earthcare Australia)

Increase Our Faith:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZj-egpGaHg

                     Increase Our Faith

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