Twenty Seventh Sunday (Year C)

 Twenty Seventh Sunday October 05, 2025

Habakkuk 1:2-3;2:2-4; 2 Timothy 1:6-8,13-14; Luke 17:5-10

(image courtesy: Google)

At the end of World War II, it was reported, the Allied soldiers were searching farmhouses for snipers. In one abandoned house, which was almost a heap of rubble, they had to use their flashlights to get to the basement. On the crumbling wall, they spotted a Star of David. It had obviously been scratched by a victim of the Jewish Holocaust. And beneath it was the following message in clear but rough lettering: “I believe in the sun even when it is not shining; I believe in love, even when there’s no one there; and I believe in God, even when He is silent.”

Today's readings are highly relevant to our own lives. On the one hand, we live in a world where thousands suffer appallingly in the struggle for truth, freedom, and dignity of the human person.  On the other hand, we live in a world of ever-increasing material indulgence becoming available to more and more people. The dream of being part of this can close our minds and hearts to the cry of the poor, distressed and marginalized. The affluent society becomes both a trap and an escape.  Many like to blame God for many of the world's ills but, to be honest, they are practically all of our own making. In the Gospel, the plea is to increase their faith that they may see. Jesus teaches them that they do not need an increase in faith so much as they need to put the little faith they have into action.

In sum, the Lord tells prophet Habakkuk to wait patiently for the fulfilment of the vision given. Paul highlights the need to fan into flame the gifts received from the Lord. Jesus assures the disciples that genuine faith does work wonders.

In the Gospel, the apostles say to Jesus: “Increase our faith.” Jesus replies:

“If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. … When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have done what we ought to have done.’”

Jesus teaches two main things:

Even a small amount of genuine faith, the size of a mustard seed, can produce great power if entrusted to God.

Discipleship is not about reward or merit: a servant does what he must, without expecting praise. After we do what is expected, we are still unworthy. God’s grace is always primary. So we are challenged to trust: don’t measure faith by how “big” you feel it is, but by whether it is real and obedient. And to serve humbly: doing what we ought, not what we want, without seeking applause.

Let me now draw these threads into a message for people like us, living ordinary lives in messy times:

It’s okay to cry out, but don’t lose hope.

We live with suffering, poverty, violence, corruption, broken families, illness and injustice. Sometimes it seems like God is silent. The prophet Habakkuk expresses our pain. But God says: “Write the vision, hold fast, live by faith.” Don’t let discouragement choke your faith. Hold to the promise that God acts sometimes beyond our sight.

Listen attentively, soften your heart.

In the Psalm, God calls us not to harden our hearts. We must not become dull: to the word of God, to the cries of the poor, to the needs around us. Worship, Scripture and prayer all help us stay receptive. A hardened heart sees but does not feel; hears but does not do.

Use your gifts boldly.

Each of us is entrusted with something: perhaps the gift of encouragement, giving, compassion, teaching or leadership. Paul invites us to stir those gifts into flame. Don’t bury what God has given you out of fear or laziness. Let them serve God’s people.

Faith as small seed, service as duty.

You may feel your faith is small, weak, wavering. But Jesus says even mustard-seed faith is powerful. What matters is sincerity and trust, not magnitude. And your service need not be grandiose; small acts done faithfully count. Serve without expecting recognition; do what is right simply because God asks it.

Live by faith in the in-between times.

We are people who live between “already” and “not yet”.  God has acted in Christ, but full justice and God’s kingdom are not yet fully realized. We are called to live faithfully in the tension, trusting God’s promises while doing what we can now.

How might this message translate into our everyday life?

When you see injustice, a corrupt deal, someone cheated, a neighbour in need, don’t turn away with despair. Pray, stand for what is right, help where you can, trusting that even if you don’t see full justice now, God sees.

In your prayer life, carve out quiet time to listen. Ask, “Lord, soften my heart. Help me hear what you are saying.” Maybe you sense God calling you to help a widow, visit the sick, teach a child, listen and act.

Reflect on your gifts. Perhaps you are good with children, or encouraging, or have a talent for music, cooking or organising. Offer yourself to the church, your neighbourhood, or a community project. Let your gift be used for God’s kingdom.

Do small faithful acts, forgive someone, be kind to a stranger, share a meal, give your time, without expectation of applause.

When doubts come (and they will), bring them before God. Speak honestly like Habakkuk. Trust that your honest faith is stronger than a hidden, silent one.

Dear friends, this Sunday does not promise comfort without cost. It invites us into living faith: faith that cries out, waits, listens, acts, bears gifts, and serves humbly. Even a small faith, rooted in God, can move mighty things. And the greatest growth often happens quietly, in the hidden seasons.

Happy Sunday