October 2, 2022, Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
Today’s readings are about skepticism and doubt. Emotions which no person can deny having many times in their life. And the majority of the time, when these emotions are within the realm of faith, they can be the most difficult to reconcile.
In the First Reading from the book of Habakkuk (Hab. 1:2-3; 2:2-4) we can sense the palpability of the prophet’s frustration. Habakkuk prophesied during the time of the seventh century BC when the mighty nation of Babylon was accelerating its rise to power. It had already conquered Assyria and was just beginning to turn its sights on Jerusalem.
Habakkuk complains to the Lord about the depravity that he is witnessing in Jerusalem. The Israelites have fallen into idol worship and the rich have taken a stand against the poor, oppressing and persecuting them for their own selfish gain. The prophet knows that such action will only lead to destruction as the Lord inflicts punishment on the corruption and the wickedness of the people using the Babylonians as His instrument of revenge.
As he impatiently awaits the intervention of God in the chaos of Jerusalem, Habakkuk cries with frustration, “How long, O LORD? I cry for help, but you do not listen!” (Hab. 1:2). The prophet is skeptical about God’s care and support for His chosen nation as he complains, “Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord” (Hab. 1:3). Habakkuk sees no end to the havoc he is witnessing in his beloved city, and he feels no sense of God’s presence or concern in the midst of the calamity.
However, the Lord responds with care to Habakkuk. He tells him to write down the vision so that it can be carried throughout the city to readily warn the people. He tells Habakkuk to be patient and reassured. The chaos that he is witnessing will continue for some time until the Lord is ready to intervene. “It will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late” (Hab. 2:3). God warns Habakkuk against rashness and unfaithfulness. Only the righteous and faithful will survive the turmoil that is occurring.
The situation in the Gospel is not as dire but the disciples are no less frustrated. They have been following Christ for some time now and they have witnessed numerous miracles happen for people who have faith enough to know that Jesus can cure them – demoniacs, lepers, paralytics, the blind, the cripple, and even Peter’s mother-in-law. The disciples know that they are meant to carry on the mission of Jesus but doubt that they will be able to perform such wonders.
With skepticism they implore him, “Increase our faith” (Lk. 17:5). Jesus knows that there is a bit of a learning curve with this group, but he also knows that with time and patience, they will eventually grow in faith enough to follow his example. It will not take very long. For by having the faith of Jesus, even a tiny bit, like the size of a mustard seed, they will be able to uproot and transplant a large mulberry tree.
To alleviate their skepticism, Jesus continues to explain it to them with a parable about a master and a slave. In the social expectations of the day, when a servant had returned from plowing or tending sheep, they were not invited to sit and dine with their master. Rather, they were expected to serve their master and then eat and drink when their duties were finished.
This is how easily and natural the vocation of discipleship will come to the followers of Jesus. Like servants, they will have no difficulties performing their duties, which will come easily and naturally as expected of them by the Lord. They need not fear that the efforts of their tasks will elude them, for they are following the wisest and most transcendent master of all.
Sometimes we can be like Habakkuk or the disciples when we feel called to a particular vocation by the Lord. We might be doubtful as to whether we have the talent that is required or skeptical that we will be able to fulfill the obligations. But St. Paul reminds us, “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So, bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.” (2Tim. 1:7, 8b).
