HOMILY FOR THE 27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C (5)

HOMILY FOR THE 27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

THEME: “LORD INCREASE OUR FAITH”

BY: Fr Livinus C. Igbodekwe

HOMILY FOR SUNDAY OCTOBER 2 2022

 

As much as we know that faith is a spiritual gift, we should know also that faith is not given in a full blown fashion. It is sown as a seed. A seed never grows except it comes in contact with a good soil (Matt 13:8; Jn 12:24). In the same way faith can’t grow without being received in a good heart condition. In our Second Reading St Paul impacted Timothy with a fire of faith when he laid hands on him, and he hereby urges him to fan that gift into flame consciously by good works. When Apostle Paul, in his First Letter to the Corinthians, tells the Corinthian Church that He planted, and Appollos watered, it is God who gives increase, he is saying that the gift of faith begins with hearing of the Word of God (Rom 10:17), and it is sustained/nourished by the same Word of God, but it is God who apportions the measure of increase of faith (Rom 12:3). God increases our faith by the measure of our good works, for faith without works is dead (Jms 2:26). Today, we shall study faith in the light of its various ways of expression/maturity:

1. Simple Faith: this expression of faith is simple in expression. yet, even a little act of faith can achieve great results like moving a mountain (Matt 17:20). Jesus says that if our faith is as small as a mustard seed, it can move mountains. Faith can be so simple in expression but great in results.

2. Humble Faith: Faith goes well with humility. Faith doesn’t mean arrogance but a humble act of worship expressed in service. In our Gospel Reading today, we find a servant who serves his Lord in the field without even expecting a reward. But it will definitely attract the reward of the Master, nevertheless. No faithful service is rewarded immediately rather it takes commitment over time to be rewarded. God will not be ashamed to serve whoever keeps faith alive until He comes. He will be the one to put on our heads the crown of righteousness (2 Tim 4:8).
The centurion’s great faith in Matt 8:8 was expressed in an uncommon humility.

3. Obedient Faith: this faith is exemplified by Abraham. Abraham didn’t become Father of Faith without series of obedience to the will of God. It is the cumulative of his tests for fidelity that justified him before God (Gen 15:6).

4. Patient Faith: This expression of faith is exemplified in our First Reading today by Habbakkuk who saw a vision and made it known by writing it down on stone that all who read it may make good progress in their walk with God. God assures him that the prophecy is not to be instant in fulfillment. He has to wait patiently for it. Faith sometimes requires active waiting on the Lord. Daniel fasted and prayed for 21 days for the promise of Yahweh to be released to the Jews in captivity.

Let us wait on God daily by prayers, fasting, and good works for God to increase our faith capacity by granting answers to our fervent prayers and acts of faith when He comes (Lk18:8).

Happy Sunday to you all!