October 6 // 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
Responsorial Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
Reading II: 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Gospel: Luke 17:5-10

Saint Mother Teresa was a devoted apostle of Jesus Christ while ministering among the throngs of impoverished, suffering and forgotten people of India. She tirelessly was at their disposal through her 87 years. There were many times when she felt hopeless and even struggling with bouts of doubt and depression, wondering what her life meant in the big picture. In spite of this, she always tried to be faithful to her people--but more than that, to God. One of her quotes that speaks to me is, “God does not ask us to be perfect but to be faithful.” Now that’s a quote to pray with and ponder over.

We all, at varying times and in situations that seem hopeless, have probably come up short in our ability to ‘hang in’ when darkness prevails in our lives. We perhaps doubt that there even is a God, for our prayers seem to go unanswered and perhaps forgotten. It takes everything in us, and perhaps more, to stay in the fight until the storm and darkness begin to lift. I think this can boil down to our faith in God, belief in self, and a strong conviction that waiting patiently and with trust, will bring us to a new place in faith.

The sacrament of baptism initiates us into a relationship with God. Our parents and hopefully godparents as well, are given the responsibility and privilege of helping us ‘grow our faith’ into a real friendship with Jesus Christ throughout our lifetime. There is a grace that comes with each sacrament to help us deal with all that life will bring us, whether good or not. We need to learn and internalize the truth that God loves us always and walks the journey with us to wholeness and fullness of life. As we mature, we build that relationship with Jesus on a daily basis. Like all relationships, we need to keep close contact in order to build trust. Knowing one another is essential to this and it takes a long time to discover the many facets of our friendship with God. Patience and waiting become two necessary things we need to develop as we allow the ‘other’ to reveal their self to us. God will never fail us but will give us what we need when we need it.

Our first reading from the prophet Habakkuk deals with this very thing—challenging God when things are bleak—to answer him ‘right now’. He is told that everything has its time and will not disappoint even though he might have to wait for it. If he has faith, he shall live. Another way of saying this is ‘you cannot rush the river.’ Give it time but in the meantime ‘do something’ while you wait.

The second reading from Timothy once again has Paul encouraging him and us as well, to bear our share of difficulties in our own lives. We cannot go it alone. We need to ‘need’ God and others to help us embrace all of life. In our culture of extreme independence, we often fail to reach out to others for help or to go out of ourselves to help another. God made us to need one another. God provides strength no matter the circumstances. Lean on Him and continue to get to know Him. Regular prayer, sacraments, worship at Mass, and the practice of virtue and good things are available to each of us. Use them!!

Finally, Luke puts it before us that being faithful to our duties and responsibilities does not warrant applause, recognition or awards. Doing what is ours to do is its own reward.

Sr. Barbara Baker, MHSH
RCIA Coordinator