Readings:
Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4 2; Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14; Lk 17:5-10
Faith Makes the Impossible Possible
Today’s first reading is from the prophet Habakkuk. Habakkuk is believed to have written his book around the 7th century BC, shortly before the Babylonians captured Jerusalem in 586 BC. Habakkuk was disturbed by the violence and cruelty of the Babylonians. He asked the Lord, “So why are you silent while they destroy people who are more righteous than they?” (1:13). The Lord responded that He would act in His own good time. In the meantime, “Those who are righteous will live because they are faithful to God.” (2:4).
We often find ourselves feeling like Habakkuk—frustrated and disillusioned as we witness destruction and bloodshed in our communities while God seems unresponsive. Our faith is frequently tested and shaken in the face of rampant hatred and disregard for one another. We hear of the persecution and relentless killing of Christians, with some incidents occurring while they are praying in church or even being burned alive during Mass. Gun violence has claimed countless lives in our nation, leaving us feeling hopeless and helpless.
According to Gun Violence Archive (GVA) data from September 29, 2025, there have been a total of 325 mass shootings—defined as incidents in which four or more victims are shot, excluding the shooter. Within this grim statistic, there have been 10 mass murders recorded. Tragically, among the victims, 175 children aged 0-11 and 762 teens aged 12-17 have lost their lives. Reports from Johns Hopkins University highlight that “the number of deaths and injuries from gun violence in 2025 continues to be a significant public issue in our nation.” Amidst this chaos, we hear God asking us, “What have you done? Listen: Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the soil!” (Genesis 4:10). Like Habakkuk, we cry out, “How long, O Lord? I cry for help, but you do not listen! I cry out to you, ‘Violence!’ but you do not intervene.” Yet God calls us to remain faithful. In other words, He desires for us to keep our faith strong.
Faith is “The realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1). Faith makes us ready and willing to do God’s will. In today’s Gospel, the apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith. Why was this request relevant? The answer can be found in Luke 17:1-4. Here, Christ warned His apostles against causing scandal or becoming a stumbling block for others. He acknowledged that while it is impossible to construct a world without temptations, woe to the person who teaches another to sin or rob another of their innocence. The difficulty of putting this teaching into practice led the apostles to ask for an increase of faith. Jesus answered them: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” Faith is the most significant force in the world. It makes the impossible possible; it does not depend on its size or quantity but on its quality and effectiveness. Because we are not alone, God is always with us. Faith is not jumping to a conclusion; it is concluding to jump into God’s arms. “By this faith, a just man lives.” (Gal. 3:11). Examples.
This kind of faith can draw poison from every grief, take the sting from every loss, and quench the fire of every pain. Jesus compares faith to a “tiny mustard seed.” Just as the power of the seed does not depend on its size but on the life hidden within itself, the power of our faith does not depend on its quantity but on its quality. This transformative power enables us to struggle against sins, avoid causing scandal, and forgive all hurt. Our faith must be living, practical, and trustworthy. Paul reminds Timothy in the second reading not to forget the gifts of the Holy Spirit he received when he was ordained as a minister. “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power, love, and self-control.” (2 Tim. 1:6-7). Paul told Timothy not to be intimidated by the hardship, opposition, and difficulties he encountered in Ephesus. Instead, challenges should strengthen his faith. The apostles, too, sensed the difficulties of their mission and cried out for an increase in faith. Following Christ is never easy. It was not easy for Christ either. On the Cross, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:2).
Following God is challenging, but “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion that cannot be shaken.” (Ps. 125:1). We must be active in our Christian duties while remaining humble enough to say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.” Amidst difficulties, violence, persecution, and tribulation, we wait and hope diligently and earnestly, patiently and perseveringly on God while doing all in our power and within our ability to bring peace to our troubled world. Like the apostles, we pray, Lord, increase our faith! Amen.
Rev.
Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP
