There are some days that I feel that the injustice of this world requires a direct and forceful action from God. Why are the wars around the world still raging on? Why hasn’t hunger and poverty been eradicated despite all our technological advances? Why are we still living in the shadow of the pandemic? Why is my friend still not listening to my pleas to return to Church?
I would really like to have faith the size of a mustard seed, so that I could try to resolve these things. Asking a tree to plant itself in the sea surely, I could instantly create some food to feed the hungry. I sure hope that I will have such faith (and hopefully sometime sooner rather than later)!
What am I really desiring? Magic powers?
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). Our Catholic faith does not promise us quick fixes, instead it promises us a definite fix. The prophet Habakkuk records that God’s promise comes in its own time, and it will come, without fail.
The readings this Sunday call for a movement beyond merely passively hoping for God to make good on His promises. They call us to action: living an upright life in faithfulness to the God’s precepts (Hab 2:4); fanning into flame the Holy Spirit bestowed on us and witnessing to God (2 Tim 1:6-7); doing all that we have been commanded, recognising that we are merely servants (Lk 17:10). In other words, as a layperson, I see myself called to participate in God’s ongoing redemption of creation in my work, in my family life, and in the Church.
Written by: Vincent Ong