No Gift is Too Small

   

  Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

02 October 2022 

 

First Reading: Hab 1:2-3; 2:2-4

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: 2 Tm 1:6-8, 13-14

Gospel: Lk 17:5-10

 

Reflection

By: Theresa Ballo

 

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” How many times have we asked this from the Lord? How many times have we doubted our own abilities to face an obstacle? Was there even a time we asked the Lord in prayers, “I cannot do this anymore. When will this end?”

Back then, as a young professional still serving the Parish, I asked God, why is He allowing unfortunate events and heartbreaks to happen in my life. Haven’t I had enough? At a young age, my parents brought me to the Church to serve as they do. I thought it was a privilege, that things in my life will be easier and happier. That I will be meeting and getting along well with Godly persons. Growing up in the Church is an assurance of growing up with real faith. Yet, in my experience this wasn’t the case – at first.

In the Gospel this Sunday, it appeared to me it was more of a guided reflection than a parable, the disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus’ answer them with an insightful instruction, “If you have the faith the size of the mustard seed…”, He’s telling them “great faith” is not a requirement, not even a necessity. Just with little faith, a size of a mustard seed, God with all His loving power can already do great things through them. God fills us, works on what we have, meets us where we are, so we can still pay forward to others and share who God really is.

When the disciples asked for more faith, Jesus replied to look closely in their roles as servants on the table. This is a lesson on obedience and humility. When the going gets tough, seemingly impossible to understand and even continue to do our tasks, we are supposed to focus on doing our duty as servants of the Lord, no matter how small and seemingly irrelevant our actions may be. At times when we are hurt and wounded, we would stay home and wobble in a corner, Jesus reminded us that our Master, our God is with us. It is the time where we are called to fully trust in Him. “Come here immediately

and take your place at the table?

Obedience is derived from the Latin word, “obedire”, which is translated as “to listen”. Attentive listening is needed for us to fully understand the Lord’s command and plan in our life. Humility is giving back to God all the glory He deserves and accepting that we are merely His “stewards”. Looking back at my younger self, all the disappointments and heartbreaks, led me to be fully dependent on God. To understand the reason for all unfortunate events that happened was to be with Him in prayers, to cry to Him, to just sit with Him in moments of great desolation. Now, I guess, my stories have more depth and meaning because I also allowed Him to work in me so I can share how wonderful this life is when you have a very loving God. At the end of this, only Him can move the mulberry tree and plant it in the sea.

Prayer

Dear Lord,thank You for staying with us in moments of desolation. Thank You for making us feel not alone and for consoling us. Teach us to be obedient as Jesus who went through sufferings yet remained trusting in Your plans. Allow us to be vulnerable in Your presence and take all the pride in our hearts so we can be more loving to ourselves and to others. We lift to You all the glory and honor. Amen.