Hb
1:2-3,2:2-4; 2 Tim 1:6-9,13-14; Luke 17:5-10
In the readings of today we
find prophet Habakkuk, Timothy and the Apostles facing the
problem that put to severe test their faith threatened to
crumble.
Situation in Jerusalem was very
bad at the time of Prophet Habakkuk. When the powerful Assyrian empire that
had rushed the Jewish nation crashed, it brought relief for
the
chosen people. But it was replaced by one, worse than the previous, the
Babylonian Empire. The Babylonian army ravaged the country of Judah, destroying
town after town.
During
today's First Reading, we heard prophet Habakkuk calling out to the Lord.
Around 626 B.C., Habakkuk called out to the Lord because of the violence that
surrounded him. Destruction, violence, strife, contention, these had become the
norm of the day. Habakkuk was frustrated because the Lord was not taking
control of the situation. For the Prophet, who loved
his country, it was a trial beyond his understanding. The oppression in Jerusalem
was a severe test of his faith. God promised to Abraham decedents like the
numerous stars of heaven, and as the gains of sand in the
desert. He promised to David an everlasting Kingdom. But the ravaging that was
taking place in Jerusalem made them feel that these promises would never
be fulfilled. The faith of the Prophet and the pious people was shaken.
They cried to God and reminded Him of his promises. Then God assured him in a
vision to hold on to his faith and all the promises would be fulfilled.
“It comes slowly; wait, for it will come, without fail.”
In the second reading from
St. Paul’s letter to Timothy, Paul refers to the problems faced by Timothy as a
Bishop. Paul encourages him by reminding that he was entrusted with two things:
the gift of faith and the responsibility to preach the Gospel.
According to the Roman custom
and law, a person going on a long journey or about to die would entrust
money and valuables to a trusted friend, who would give them back on
his return. If he did not return, the wealth would be returned to his
heir. This trust was considered so sacred that no one dared to break it.
So Paul reminds Timothy that
faith and the responsibility to preach the Gospel are two valuables that
Jesus has entrusted him with. He is also assured from his personal
experience that Christ would never fail.
Today’s Gospel describes the
problems faced by the Apostles. When Jesus started referring to his being
handed over into the hands of His enemies, and to his suffering and death
on the cross the Apostles were discouraged. They turned to Jesus with a
prayer, “Lord increases our faith.”
Jesus hastened to reassure them:
their faith in Jesus, however weak, could work wonders. St. Luke says,
“Were your faith the size of the mustard seed
You could say to this mulberry tree:
‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea”
And it would obey you.”
Like Prophet Habakkuk, Timothy
and the Apostles, we too have to stand some tests in our life. We
experience dark moments when everything goes wrong. We experience anguish
and anxiety that all the promises seem to be shattered, and we feel
being alienated and estranged. But at these moments God reassures us
with His support.
When the
faith of Prophet Habakkuk was shaken God reassured him through a vision.
When the faith of Timothy was shaken God reassured him through the medium
of St Paul. When the faith of the Apostles was shaken Jesus reassured them
with the words that with their faith they would be able to move even mountains.
Peter had already experienced it. The Apostles saw Jesus walking over the
water. Then Peter cried out “Lord Let me come to you.” Jesus said, “Come” and
peter started walking on the water. But when doubt over took him he began to
sink.
One night,
Jim had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with Jesus. Across
the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand; one belonging to Jesus, and the other to him. When the
last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in
the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only
one set of footprints. It happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his
life. This bothered him, and he questioned Jesus about it. "Lord, you said
that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way. But I
have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only
one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would
leave me." Jesus replied, "My precious, precious child. I love you
and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you
see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
Whenever doubt
and troubles overtake us. Jesus is at our side reassuring us. But He wants that
our faith is increased by serving others, not by being served. Faith is
increased when we manifest our love towards others, our family, friends and
strangers.
Satish