27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME C
HOW MUCH FAITH DO YOU HAVE?
LK 17: 5-10
MESSAGE
I find the stories of successful entrepreneurs amazing, especially those who started with the smallest of budgets, the fewest resources, and the least expectations. From peddler to megastore owner, from tiny food stop to a restaurant chain, from online selling to thriving import business. The starting point did not matter; these wise individuals had goal, guts, and gameplan.
In the life of faith, the Lord Jesus honors the same principle of starting with small things and without fanfare. For how can faith the size of a mustard seed be powerful to command a mulberry tree? A mustard seed is almost invisible, like a dot on a piece of paper. I remember our theology professor once brought from Israel a packet of mustard seeds to give us. When the wind blew we lost our seeds and we couldn’t find them for they were so tiny and light.
The message is clear: Faith is not measured by its size but by its strength, tenacity, durability, and humility. People who loudly wear their faith on their sleeves by constantly quoting the Bible, preaching at every turn, trying to convert others, and proudly declaring they are saved, are usually the first to falter when trials come. But the faith of ordinary, common people who do the simplest tasks with faithfulness, love, and dedications, is the one that pleases God. They humbly say “we are unprofitable servants,” and God approves of them.
A movie actor once said that what matters in show business is not popularity but longevity. You may be popular now, but it can vanish in an instant. You may not be a superstar, and yet have a stream of simple, ordinary, and steady offers of a meaningful role.
REFLECT
At times we feel insecure around those who profess to have strong and robust faith. But remember, the Lord does not demand ostentatious and dramatic testimonies. Rather, he desires just a simple faith that carries us through our daily struggles and challenges. Pray for the faith the size of a mustard seed!
