Faith, that of a mustard Seed

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 17:5-10*

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

*SECOND READING - 2 Tm 1:6-8, 13-14*

*Faith, that of a mustard Seed*

*1) Lord increase our Faith*

We find this particular expression in today's Gospel. 

I feel this is one of the important expressions, because of the following reason 

Usually we think and pray that 

Lord, increase our wealth

Lord, increase my years of life 

Lord, increase my beauty 

Lord, increase my influence

Lord, increase my power, money, knowledge, assets etc 

But hardly we pray that Lord, increase my faith, increase my holiness, or increase my commitment

So in this context this expression becomes very important to us 

*2) Jesus reply to the Question*

Jesus does not answer the question in a direct way. But He gives an answer, which indicates that the *Quality* of faith is more important than the *Quantity* of faith

So Jesus makes a reference to the mustard seed and compares to the mustard seed. 

So, how to see this concept of mustard seed and faith that of mustard seed? 

*3) Faith and the Mustard seed*

Faith that of a mustard seed is a very strong faith and not very shallow faith 

The parable of the mustard seed gives us the power of mustard seed, which even though small, can produce tallest of all trees. 

So mustard seed is small but tree is very big. This logic applies to faith

*4) Mustard seed and the power of faith*

This faith can uproot the mulberry tree. 

This faith can plant this uprooted tree, in the midst of the sea

This appears to be impossible, but God can work impossible things in our life, when we collaborate with Him 

So impossible things are made possible, through faith 

*5) Why we need strong faith?*

First reading of that day gives us the reasons 

There is a great amount of violence

Everywhere we see only ruined things 

Destruction, disorder, revenge is all-around

The prophet cries to God, but it appears there is no immediate answer 

In such situation, one may give up the faith he/she has 

So we need a strong faith to face all these things and to remain sincere before God

So faith is very much necessary

*6) How deep is my faith?*

Is it like that of mustard seed? 

Or is that of like seed which fell on the path ways, on the rocky ground or on the Thorny bushes? 

How I can strengthen my faith??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*