04/10/2025
27TH SUNDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME: YEAR C
TO LIVE BY FAITH
Hab 1:2-3, 2:2-4; Ps. 95. 2 Tim 1:6-8, 13-14; Gosp. Luke 17:5-10
I see many people struggling to survive the present economic hardship in Nigeria. When there is a socio-economic crisis people easily lose faith in God and in their government; many families are in deep financial crisis and parishes witness a drop in offertory collections.
Despite this bad situation, Nigerians have ways of creating sense of humour during tough times. There are many jokes going round on social media on how people are developing food security consciousness in the economic condition.
For example, one of these jokes is a cooking pot on fire with heavy padlocks on it for protection against thieves; there is yet another joke about a groom who was crying over wasted rice at his wedding reception.
In tough situations God seem to be far away? This critical economic situation certainly needs His urgent attention.
The prophet Habakkuk found himself in a difficult time in the history of Judah. He witnessed discord, disorder and violence. He asked questions and expressed utter disappointment at the situation of things around him.
Habakkuk is unique in the way he articulated his sentiments and prayers to God. He was bold in expressing the frustrations of the people to God. Eventually, he realised that in the midst of these disorder, the righteous would live by faith. Thus, his book admonishes the people to have faith in God even during national crises.
Faith means steadfast loyalty. Faith is courage in the face of danger. It is an unshakeable and unquestionable confidence in the power of God. Paul the Apostle, in the second reading admonished Timothy to shun the spirit of timidity and be bold in spirit. Certainly, the good fight of faith requires the confidence and boldness that comes with faith.
Therefore, with faith there are chances to do that, which is impossible, it enables us to see possibilities where others see impossibilities. Authentic faith obliterates fears, doubts and reservations. A proverb that boosts courage says, “They conquer, those who believe they can.”
We can also describe faith as holding on to the truth, to love and to God even in the midst of adversity, affliction, opposition, repression, economic recession, persecution. This was the kind of faith the prophet Habakkuk called for. Martin Luther King Jnr rightly says that the test of the quality of the human person is not where he stands in the time of prosperity, but where he stands in the face of adversity. Faith is the ability to see God even in the dark situations of life. Another name for faith is optimism and a kind of optimism that turns problems into opportunities.
In today’s gospel, the Apostles of Christ reminds us of what we should be praying for each day. That is, praying to Christ: “Lord increase our faith.” Their humility and acceptance of their lack equally remind us of the importance of faith in our Christian life and journey.
Each time I read this passage, I remember this short story. A rusty shield once said to the sun, “dazzle me,” and the sun responded: “Polish yourself, and I will dazzle you.” 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.”
God bless you.
Have a blessed week ahead.
Remember that October Devotion is on.
