Readings: Habakkuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4; Psalm 95; 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14; Luke 17:5-10
Grace and peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today is the 27th Sunday, year C. The Word of God this Sunday speaks to us about faith that saves and serves humbly.
The First Reading
The First Reading today is from the book of the prophet Habakkuk.
Habakkuk lived at a time of violence, injustice, corruption, destruction, and looming invasion (late 7th century BC). He questioned God:
Why does evil seem to prosper?
Why does God allow the wicked (like the Babylonians) to afflict His people?
His question is the cry of many people today: “How long, O Lord, shall I cry for help and you will not listen?”
God’s answer was that the proud will eventually perish, but “the just will live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).
What does it mean that the just shall live by faith?
It means:
I. We do not live by fear, appearances, or human strength, but by trusting in God – His Word, His promises, His love for us.
II. It means it is faith that will sustain us in trials, chaos, unanswered questions, when we don’t understand God’s plan.
III. True and meaningful life flows from believing in God and walking in fidelity.
IV. It means those who are faithful to God, though they may endure trials, will eventually experience the salvation of God.
Faith therefore is not an escape from reality but the very strength that keeps us standing when reality becomes unbearable.
Faith doesn’t always remove the storm, but it enables us to endure until God’s justice and peace are revealed.
The Second Reading
In the Second Reading, St. Paul exhorts Timothy not to be timid, but to fan into flame the gift of faith he has received. Faith is not just a private comfort, it is a sacred treasure entrusted to us.
Today, many are ashamed to be Christians for different reasons. Others hide their faith for fear of ridicule and labelling. But Paul says: “Never be ashamed of witnessing to the Lord.” Let us all take note of this – NEVER BE ASHAMED OF WITNESSING TO THE LORD.
Theologically, this reminds us that faith is both gift and mission. It is a gift from God, but it must be fanned (allowed to grow), lived, defended, and shared. If we bury it, it dies. If we fan it into flame, it grows, it bears fruit, it keeps us firm in the storm, and it gives light to others.
The Gospel
In today’s Gospel, the apostles cry out, “Increase our faith!” And Jesus answers with a paradox: even faith the size of a mustard seed can uproot a tree.
But He also teaches that true faith expresses itself not only in doing the extraordinary – uprooting trees, working miracles, being used by God for signs and wonders, shows and flashy displays, but in humble service done out of love for God and others: “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.”
Faith is seen in doing our duty faithfully:
Parents raising children in love, faith and with a clear vision.
Children helping their aged parents with patience, gentleness, and love.
Workers doing honest jobs even when unsupervised.
Leaders serving with integrity, selflessness, and kindness.
Priests and religious offering their lives in hidden sacrifice.
Parishioners carrying out their ministries and tasks joyfully, humbly, diligently, and selflessly for God’s glory.
This is what faith looks like in daily life: ordinary acts carried out with extraordinary love and for God’s glory.
Conclusion
Dear friends, the message of this Sunday is clear: never be ashamed of your faith.
Habakkuk teaches us to live by faith in crisis. Paul exhorts us to fan into flame the gift of faith and never be ashamed. Jesus reminds us that even small faith works wonders, but true faith is revealed in humble service.
Let us then hold firm to our faith, live it courageously, and never be ashamed to be known as disciples of Christ.
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, increase our faith. Give us courage when we are tempted to hide our witness. Give us endurance when life feels overwhelming. Teach us to serve humbly, to live faithfully, and to shine as your disciples in the world. May we never be ashamed of our faith, but may our lives boldly proclaim that we belong to You, Amen.
Sermon preached by Fr Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on October 5, 2025.