First Reading: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4

Reflection:

Have you ever felt like God has abandoned you? Have you ever wondered, where is God in the midst of all the injustice and violence in the world? And, why doesn’t He do something about it? If so, you’re not alone! In fact, the Prophet Habakkuk had those same questions for God in this Sunday’s first reading. Habakkuk was a prophet of the southern kingdom, Judah, around 600 B.C., soon before Babylon’s capture of Jerusalem. Habakkuk cried out to God to respond to the injustice he witnessed in his own culture, but Habakkuk felt like God was not answering his pleas for assistance. In response, God directed Habakkuk to write down what He told him. In a part of the prophecy not included in this Sunday’s reading (1:6-11), God pointed out that it was too late for the wicked king of Judah, Jehoiakim, and his court to change their hearts from the pagan worship they had embraced. Judgment was already on its way in the form of the Babylonians. But Habakkuk pleaded to God on behalf of the innocent, righteous people who had suffered under Jehoiakim’s greedy reign. God acknowledged their faith, and invited Habakkuk to have patience as His plan unfolded. The ones who would suffer the destruction by the Babylonians would be the wicked and rash. But the just ones, because of their faith in God, would be allowed to live. We can learn from this reading that God is ultimately in control and He has the big picture in mind. Even if it seems that God is doing nothing, He is truly working out His perfect plan according to His perfect timing. Even if injustice and wickedness seem to rule our world today, God will make all things right in the end, and we can play instrumental roles in the process.

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

Reflection:

Timothy was a companion of the Apostle Paul’s on some of his missionary journeys. Paul ordained Timothy as a bishop and entrusted him with the leadership of the church in Ephesus (in modern-day Turkey). In doing so, he also exhorted Timothy to rely on “the help of the Holy Spirit” to faithfully guard the truths of the faith (described as a “rich trust”) that Paul had passed on to him. In order to encourage Timothy in the midst of challenges he was facing in Ephesus, Paul reminded Timothy to “stir into flame” the grace given to him at his ordination (referenced by the phrase “the imposition of my hands”). Bishops today continue to be ordained by “the imposition [i.e. laying on] of hands” and are entrusted with guarding the teachings of our faith passed on to them from Christ and the Apostles down through the ages. Let us pray for them to continue to rely on “the help of the Holy Spirit” to carry out the great leadership responsibility given to them in a world that is becoming increasingly more hostile towards Christianity. The words of encouragement from Paul to Timothy can also apply to all of us. Like Timothy, God gives us a spirit “of power and love and self-control.” With the strength given to us by God, we need not be afraid or ashamed, even in the midst of great hardship, ridicule, or persecution for being Christians. In fact, we should expect challenges to the gospel, for to live the message of Christ faithfully and boldly is very counter-cultural today. Still, we are called to “bear…hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.” Timothy stood strong in faith through many hardships in his role as bishop of Ephesus. We can emulate his faith by entrusting ourselves to God in whatever circumstances we are facing. Let us, then, stand firm in faith.

Gospel Reading: Luke 17:5-10

Reflection:

On their journey to Jerusalem, the disciples asked Jesus to “Increase our faith.” This was in response to the verses prior to this Sunday’s reading in which Jesus warned them not to give into temptation and turn their backs on Jesus through sin. In return, the Apostles asked Jesus to help them have more faith, in order to avoid giving into temptation and the resulting consequences. When Jesus heard their request for increased faith, he told them the story of the unworthy servant to remind them of some simple truths. God has called them to be servants of the Kingdom. Like servants in the culture, they are expected to do what is asked of them. In return, the disciples will be cared for and treated with respect by the master, but their service does not give them any grounds for requesting anything special from the master. The promise Jesus makes to His followers is that if they remain loyal servants of the gospel and the way of life He is showing them, then God will indeed provide for all their needs. Let us, too, heed this call by Jesus to be his faithful servants.

Application:

  • How can you relate to the Prophet Habakkuk? Have you struggling with understanding God’s goodness and plans in the midst of the hardships of this world? Have you been an instrument of change through prayer and action, like Habakkuk played through petitioning God and being His prophetic voice in his time period?
  • Inspired by the second reading, take time this week to pray for your bishop.
  • Make the request of the Apostles in the gospel reading to “Increase our faith” your prayer. Ask God to help you have faith, even the size of a mustard seed, and to be a faithful servant of Jesus.