Faith that Believes, Trusts, and Serves
Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 17:5–10)
This Sunday’s readings invite us to pause and reflect deeply on the gift and mystery of Faith. The disciples cry out in the Gospel, “Lord, increase our faith!” Their prayer is our prayer too. In a world full of uncertainty and noise, we long for a faith that grounds us, carries us, and shapes our daily lives.
Faith is not merely an idea or emotion—it is a lived reality. It is believing without seeing, trusting when the outcome is unclear, and surrendering when our strength is not enough. As the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb 11:6). St. Thomas Aquinas put it beautifully: “To one who has Faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without Faith, no explanation is possible.”
Faith, therefore, is like a spiritual lens—expanding our vision so we can recognize God’s presence even when reason falls short. It allows us to place our hope not in what we see, but in the unseen hand of God guiding our lives.
1. Faith as a Gift from God
Faith begins not with us, but with God. At Baptism, He infused this theological virtue into our souls, giving us the grace to believe what He has revealed. This is why we can trust His promises, even when they surpass human understanding. Faith is a divine light shining into the human heart, helping us embrace mysteries that logic alone cannot explain.
When we whisper “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief,” we acknowledge both the gift and our need for God to nurture it. Faith is a treasure we did not earn—it is a grace we are invited to grow.
2. Faith as Assurance and Trust
The Letter to the Hebrews describes faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb 11:1). This isn’t blind belief; it’s confident trust in God’s fidelity.
When the apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith, they were admitting what we often feel ourselves: our trust can waver. We need Christ to strengthen us, especially in times of uncertainty, grief, or hardship.
This trusting faith sustains us in the valleys of life. It whispers that Christ is with us in our struggles, that His promises will never fail, and that His grace is sufficient for every trial.
3. Faith in Action
But faith is not meant to remain hidden in our hearts. As Jesus teaches in today’s parable of the servant, authentic faith expresses itself through humble service.
Faith comes alive when we forgive without hesitation, when we extend kindness without seeking recognition, and when we serve others—especially the poor and forgotten—without fanfare. These acts of love are not optional extras for a Christian; they are the fruit of faith.
Without action, faith becomes hollow. With action, faith transforms—shaping not only our lives, but also the lives of those around us.
Living the Mystery of Faith
Our pastor reminds us that all three readings this Sunday converge on the same truth: Faith is not passive or abstract. It is a gift received, a trust lived, and a service offered. To pray for an increase in faith is to ask God to deepen our belief, strengthen our trust, and embolden our actions.
When our faith is alive, our lives themselves become a testimony—small seeds growing into trees of hope, service, and love.
A Closing Prayer
May our faith grow deeper in belief, stronger in trust, and more generous in action. And may our lives, lived with humble service, reveal Christ’s presence to a world that desperately needs His light.