Lord, increase our faith

Hab 1:2-3. 2, 2-4; Ps 94:1-9; 2nd: 2Tim 1:6-8. 13-14; Lk 17: 5-19

“For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith.” – 1st Reading

“O that today you would listen to his voice!

‘Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,

as on that day at Massah in the desert

when your fathers put me to the test;

when they tried me, though they saw my work.’” – Psalm

“Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” – 2nd Reading

“Lord, increase our faith.” – Gospel

This Sunday, we are invited to reflect on one of the most important Christian and theological virtues – Faith. It is the foundation of our Christian life. Faith gives us a new vision and a new perspective on life. Without faith, we see only the ugly and dark side of life. Without faith, we remain helpless and slaves to despair and hopelessness. Faith liberates us and helps us to see the power and love of God at work in our lives.

The first reading reminds us of this famous verse from the book of Habakkuk, “The just shall live by his faithfulness.” As human beings, at times in life, we find ourselves in the shoes of the prophet Habakkuk. We find ourselves helpless, and everything goes dark, and hope appears hopeless to us. It is part of the process of Christian growth and maturity.

The good news is that God will not fail us if we remain faithful during such moments. He will break his silence at his appropriate time to reassure us that he is there for us. Through these words, “The just shall live by his faithfulness,” God encourages us to remain faithful in good deeds and actions. This faith in question is saving faith. The Just here is the one who still perseveres in good deeds. He is the one who still trusts in the saving power of God. He is the one who still prays to God.

In the second reading, Paul strikes the same note by admonishing us: “Fan into flame the gift that God gave you. Keep as your pattern the sound teaching you have heard from us, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” Here, the Apostle calls us to action. He awakens us to realize who we are. He reminds us of the power of God at work in us through the sound teachings we have received.

He encourages us to preserve the faith (the sound doctrine) we have received from God through the Holy Spirit and His apostles. Hence, this simply reminds us that our journey is a journey of faith. This faith must be constantly questioned and also called into action. We must live this faith through our steadfastness and perseverance. This faith must be demonstrated through actions because: “Faith without action is dead” (James 2:26).

So, the type of faith we are talking about here is not the type that is blind and always asleep. No, it is the faith that sees good opportunities and takes advantage of them. It is not like the faith that most of us preach today that suggests that we should go to sleep every second and expect God to assume our responsibilities and solve all our problems. On the contrary, it is faith that moves us into action.

In today’s gospel, the Apostles reminds us of what we should be praying for each day: “Lord increase our faith.” On another occasion they implored: “Lord teach us to pray” (Lk 11:1). Faith and prayer are like two sides of the same coin. To pray is to focus our heart on God, to have faith in God’s concern for us. Every prayer renews our trust in God, and whenever we turn to God in faith, we are praying. It is no more possible to have faith without prayer than to swim without water. Their humility and acceptance of their lack equally remind us of the importance of faith in our Christian life and journey.

There is this popular story: a rusty shield once said to the sun, “dazzle me,” and the sun responded: “Polish yourself, and I will dazzle you.” In the context of faith, Our Lord Jesus Christ is always ready to increase our faith. However, we must humbly ask for it. Second, we must make the necessary efforts through our actions.

Finally, we need faith to persevere in good works. We need it to remain steadfast during difficult moments in life. We need more faith to trust in God’s will and judgment. So, we must humble ourselves each day to say: “Lord, increase our faith.”