27th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C
Today’s readings speak to us of faith, a faith that endures, a faith that trusts, and a faith that serves. In a world where uncertainty often clouds our vision and where suffering can shake our confidence, the ‘Word of God’ invites us to rediscover the power and necessity of faith in our lives. The disciples ask for an increase in faith, they consider the faith they already have to be too weak. Jesus’ reply indicates that even a little faith, small as a mustard seed, has great power, that can do the impossible.
However, we first begin with the prophet Habakkuk, who cries out to God in anguish: “How long, O Lord, must I cry for help and you do not listen?” His words echo the cries of many hearts today, those who suffer injustice, those who feel abandoned, those who wait for healing, for peace, for answers. Habakkuk’s lament is not a lack of faith, but rather a raw and honest expression of it. He dares to bring his pain before God, trusting that God hears him and will respond.
This is the heart of our readings today: faith as the foundation of our lives. Not just belief in doctrines or creeds, but a living faith, a breathing trust in God’s promises, even when they seem distant. Faith is not a passive waiting, but an active endurance. It is the courage to keep walking when the road is dark, to keep sowing seeds even when the harvest seems so far away.
In the second reading, St. Paul writes to Timothy, urging him to “fan into a flame, for the gift of God”. St Paul knows that faith can grow cold if left unattended. Like a fire, it needs to be fed, fanned, and protected. He reminds Timothy, and us, that we have not been given a spirit of cowardice, but of “power, love and self-control.” These are the fruits of living the faith.
Then we come to the Gospel, where the apostles make a simple but profound request: “Increase our faith.” It’s a prayer we can all relate to. We want more faith, especially when life is hard, when prayers seem unanswered, when we feel inadequate. Jesus responds not by giving them a formula or a lecture, but by referencing to a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds. In other words, it’s not about the quantity of faith, but its quality. Even the smallest amount of genuine faith can move mountains, or uproot a mulberry tree and plant it in the sea.
So, what can we receive from today’s readings?
Firstly, like Habakkuk, we are invited to bring our questions and toils to God. Faith does not mean pretending everything is fine. It means trusting that God hears us, even in the silence of our hearts.
Secondly, like Timothy, we are called to rekindle our faith. Perhaps we’ve grown weary or discouraged. Perhaps we’ve let fear or doubt creep in. But the Spirit within us, is not one of fear, it is one of power, love, and self-control.
And thirdly, like the apostles, we are reminded that even a little faith, when placed in the hands of God, can do great things. We are not called to be heroes, but to be faithful servants, doing our duty with love and trust, even when we cannot see it.
Let us pray with the apostles, asking the Lord to increase our faith. Let us allow our prayer, by trusting God in our trials, to rekindle the flame of faith within our hearts, and serve him with humility and love.
Rev. Fr Philip Wrigley's Blog 