Faith is more than what various Old Testament authors would have us believe. For example the prophet Habakkuk writes during a time of trouble, “Why do you not intervene, Lord?” Habakkuk would have us believe faith is believing in a distant deity we want to have help us in a time of need. Jesus describes faith differently and asks that we have “faith the size of a mustard seed.”
In this world of manufactured need we can work miracles if we have “faith but the size of a mustard seed.” With such faith we can do whatever we want. The question is: What do we want? In a world of hierarchs dividing us politically, financially, and religiously do we want communion? In an ailing world of sickness and suffering do we want people cared for? What do those people want who cause people to ail and then deny them medical care? What do people want who would shut down opportunities to come together so that we can care for those who are suffering and sick? Without care for those who are ailing, without communion among we who can care for them there is little evidence we are human beings. There is little evidence we know we are brothers and sisters to one another. Looking for personal intervention from a distant deity cannot replace responsible people caring for those in need among us.
Jesus’ faith in us makes us more than partisan, more than citizens. Jesus’ faith in us makes us lovers, care givers. We are able to work miracles on others behalf. Do we believe that?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I am encouraged to be caring by my belief.
Question: What do you want for your life?
October 6, 2013 Gospel Luke 17:5-10 Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time