Daily Readings - Sun Oct 06 2019
Habakkuk
2Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.3For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.4"See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright- but the righteous will live by his faith -
2 Timothy
6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,13What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.14Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
Luke
5The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"6He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.7"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'?8Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'?9Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith, trust, and humble service. The prophet Habakkuk cries out to God in the midst of suffering and injustice, questioning why God seems slow to act. Yet, God’s response is clear: “Write the vision… and wait for it, for it will surely come.” This reminds us that even in uncertainty, we must trust in God’s timing and plan. In the second reading, St. Paul urges Timothy to embrace his faith without fear, to hold fast to the truth, and to guard the gift of God within him. This is a call to perseverance and courage in living out our faith, even when it is challenging.
The Gospel offers a complementary lesson. The Apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith, and Jesus responds with a parable about a servant who simply does what is expected. He emphasizes that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, is sufficient to accomplish great things. However, true faith is not about seeking recognition or reward but about faithfully fulfilling our duties with humility. Jesus teaches us that we are called to serve without expectation of praise, recognizing that we are merely doing what is required of us as disciples.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God and our approach to living out our faith. Like Habakkuk, we may face moments of doubt or frustration, but we are called to trust in God’s providence. Like Timothy, we are reminded to stand firm in our faith, even when it is tested. And like the servants in the Gospel, we are called to live out our faith with humility and integrity, recognizing that our ultimate reward comes not from human recognition but from God alone. May we cultivate a faith that is patient, persistent, and rooted in trust, and may we serve others with the same humility and love that Christ has shown us.