TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR (C)
The readings:
1st Reading: (Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4)
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 95:1 -2.6-7abc.7d-9 (R. 7d, 8a)
2nd Reading: (2 Timothy 1:6-5. 13- 14)
Gospel Reading: (Luke 17:5-10)
Eghe Okonofua
The Gospel speaks to me in this way :the disciples ask for an increase of faith. And Jesus' response is like one speaking about the superficial, something superman or ironman would likely do.
Why do the disciples want Jesus to increase their faith? why do we want to perform signs and wonders? Most times it's pride and greed. The want of the glamour of being God's child rather than aspect of humility, poverty and service.
It makes more sense to be a Christian that waves their hands and bent legs are straightened at once, or the dead rise up immediately than to be one who goes hungry and is despised or looked down upon due to our longing for charity towards others.
Jesus is saying use what I have given you, accept it and be satisfied in serving me the way I asked you to serve me. Why are you looking for what I did not send you.
Be a mere servant who did what the master assigned them.
Do your duty and stop looking for fringe benefits.
My refection is from 1st Reading from prophet Habakkuk and Psalm
Oftentimes, we lament to God when we are faced with some difficulties and challenges, thinking God is not near to solve our problems. FAITH changes all these hopeless situations in our lives. If only we shall have faith as little as a mustard seed and trust in God , we shall be swimming in the glory of God.
*The Psalmist* reminds us to harken to the call of God. Call for repentance. Call for evangelism, calls for duties especially in the house of God. Calls for vocations ! Let us in all situations entrust and listen to God's voice and do what He has asked us to do. Keep His words and commandments.
May God give us the grace to always listen to Him and build our faith in Him amen ๐
Title: Faith That Endures and Serves
The prophet Habakkuk cries out, “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help?” (Habakkuk 1:2). His lament mirrors the struggles of believers who wait for God in times of suffering and injustice. Yet God answers: “The just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). Faith, therefore, is not blind optimism but steadfast trust in God’s promise, even when His silence feels heavy.
In the second reading, Paul urges Timothy, “Fan into flame the gift of God that is in you” (2 Tim 1:6). Faith needs constant rekindling; it is like fire it dies when neglected. Paul reminds us that the Spirit God gives is not one of fear but of power, love, and self-control. In today’s world, where fear and doubt often dim our spiritual zeal, this is a call to courageous witness to hold firm to the truth and live it with conviction.
The Gospel (Luke 17:5–10) brings it home: faith, even as small as a mustard seed, has divine potential when expressed in humble service. Jesus teaches that faith is not for display but for duty. We serve not to earn God’s favor but because faith naturally bears fruit in obedience.
In my own journey, I’ve found that moments of trial often become the furnace where faith is purified. Like Timothy, we must fan our spiritual gifts into flame; like Habakkuk, we must wait in trust; and like the faithful servant, we must act in love.
Faith that endures, serves, and grows this is the faith that pleases God.
“If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” (Psalm 95:8)''
Shalom!!!!
Mrs Gloria Obasogie
MY REFLECTION ON THE READINGS
Faith is not easy, it is a struggle that grows stronger in trials. Like Habakkuk and the apostles, we often face doubts, delays, and unanswered prayers, yet God calls us to trust His promise: “It will surely come.” Even faith as small as a mustard seed has great power when centered on God. True faith shows itself in obedience, service without seeking praise, prayer, and perseverance. It is not about feelings but conviction. Faith shines most in darkness, grows through love, and is strengthened in community. It turns suffering into testimony and inspires others. Faith lives, fights, and endures.
Kuyoro Paul Oluwaseun
My reflection
As we reflect on the readings, we're reminded of the importance of perseverance in the midst of life's challenges. As servants, apostles, and children of God, we're called to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that our prayers will be answered when we call upon Him in difficult times. The responsorial psalm serves as a poignant reminder to listen to God's voice and avoid hardening our hearts, lest we miss out on His divine plan. The gospel reading further exhorts us to be unwavering in our faith, striving to keep not only God's commandments but also to be responsible stewards of the community, society, and world we're called to serve. By doing so, we're not seeking to please people but rather fulfilling our sacred duty to uphold the truth that has been entrusted to us. May God grant us the wisdom, courage, and strength to live out our faith with unwavering commitment and devotion.
Oparaji Christiana O
My Contribution
The responsorial Psalm says, “O that today you would listen to his voice!Harden not your hearts.” The second reading also reminds us not to be ashamed of testifying to our Lord.
As Christians, or Christ-like followers, we are not meant to shy away from the work of Christ, nor should we feel timid or discouraged because of the challenges we may encounter while doing God’s work. He has given us the Spirit of power, love, and self-control—not a spirit of timidity—to withstand any challenges that come our way as we serve Him.
God formed us and knew what we would be even while we were in our mother’s womb. The Word of God abides forever and cannot be changed. Therefore, we need to keep spreading it throughout the whole world and have faith throughout the course of doing God’s work.
Temptations will definitely come in different forms while doing the work of God, who has called us. But our faith in the Word of God will keep us growing and strong. Do not say NO to doing the things of God. Keep doing good, keep preaching the Gospel, and always call on the Holy Spirit for inspiration and direction.
May God help us to listen to His voice without rejection or grumbling. Amen.
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