Theme: Faith — A Call to Follow God’s Lead
Readings: Habakkuk 1:2–3; 2:2–4 | 2 Timothy 1:6–8, 13–14 | Luke 17:5–10
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction:
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today’s readings confront a reality many of us live with daily: we believe in God, but sometimes we struggle to trust His lead — especially when life is hard, when answers delay, or when obedience feels unrewarded.
Yet the Word of God today assures us that faith is not a feeling or a theory. It is a response. A movement of the heart that says:
“Even when I don’t understand, I will follow.”
To help us understand this call, imagine a blind man walking through a busy, unfamiliar street. He cannot see the road ahead, nor the dangers around him. But he walks — calmly, steadily — holding the arm of his guide.
He walks not because he knows the way, but because he trusts the one leading him.
That, brothers and sisters, is the picture of faith.
1. The Cry of a Troubled Heart
The prophet Habakkuk begins with a raw and honest cry:
“How long, O Lord, must I call for help and You do not listen?”
“Why do You tolerate wrongdoing?”
(Habakkuk 1:2–3)
He sees violence, injustice, and suffering — and wonders if God is even listening.
In that moment, God does not dismiss his questions. He does not condemn Habakkuk’s cry. Instead, He gives him a promise:
“Write down the vision… though it delays, wait for it…
The righteous shall live by faith.”
(Habakkuk 2:3–4)
This is the first lesson:
Faith is not the absence of questions, but the decision to trust God’s timing and direction.
Like a blind man walking unfamiliar terrain, we may not understand why God leads us down certain paths. But faith says:
“Even if I don’t see the way, I trust the One who leads me.”
Furthermore, on a busy street, for instance, the guide delay the blind in crossing for the sake of the latter. The blind man should not hurry his guide. He must wait patiently, walk step by step, and trust that each delay, each pause, each turn — is purposeful.
So it is with us.
2. Fan into Flame the Gift of Faith
In the second reading, St. Paul — writing from prison — encourages young Timothy:
“Fan into flame the gift of God that is in you…”
“God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but of power, love, and self-control.”
(2 Timothy 1:6–8)
Paul knows Timothy is afraid. He knows that fear can paralyze faith. So he reminds him: Faith is a gift, but it must be stirred, strengthened, and acted upon.
Imagine again the blind man. The first time he takes someone’s arm to be led, it is terrifying. But with practice, that trust becomes second nature. He learns to listen, to feel every nudge and shift, to walk with confidence even in darkness.
So too with us.
We must exercise our faith — by praying when it’s hard, choosing truth over comfort, and trusting God even when we don’t understand.
Faith is not passive.
It must be walked out, step by step, as we follow God’s lead.
3. Servant-Like Trust
In the Gospel, the apostles ask Jesus a heartfelt request:
“Lord, increase our faith!”
(Luke 17:5)
And Jesus replies that even a mustard-seed-sized faith can move mountains. Then He shifts focus — telling a story about a servant who simply does his duty, without expecting thanks or reward.
Why this parable?
Because true faith isn’t about applause or recognition. It’s about obedient trust — doing what God asks, even when no one notices, even when it’s hard.
Think again of the blind man. He doesn’t need to ask the guide for explanations at every corner. He must patiently hold on — and follow his guide. So too, Jesus invites us into a faith that walks with Him not because we see the whole picture, but because we trust His voice and His hand.
Faith is trusting God enough to serve Him humbly — without needing signs, without seeking rewards.
Conclusion: Faith Follows Even in the Dark
So, dear friends, what is God saying to us today?
Faith is not just believing that God exists.
It is trusting where He leads, doing what He commands, and waiting on Him when it’s hard.
Like Habakkuk — cry out, but keep waiting. Like Timothy — stir up your faith with courage. Like the servant — serve with humble trust. Like the blind man — hold on tightly and follow, even when you cannot see.
Yes, our lives may not always make sense. Our efforts may go unnoticed. But when we live by faith, we walk in the footsteps of Christ — who Himself trusted the Father all the way to the Cross.
Let this be our prayer today:
“Lord, increase our faith —
Not for signs, but for strength.
Not for comfort, but for courage.
Teach us to follow where You lead —
Even when we cannot see.”
Amen.
By Most Rev. John Kobina Louis
