In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about faith and service. The context is a continuing dialogue between Jesus and His followers about what it means to be a disciple. The apostles ask the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replies, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

Jesus’ response reminds us that even a little faith enables us, as His followers, to do wondrous things. In addition to His teaching about faith, Jesus also instructs His disciples to understand themselves as servants of God and His plans. Even when God works wonders through us—through our mustard seed-sized faith—we must not seek praise. Our participation in God’s plan is a grace, a gift granted to us.

As I ponder the readings, particularly the Gospel, I reflect on my own faith as a follower of Jesus. Like the disciples, I also ask Jesus to increase my faith. Looking back on my personal journey of faith, I know I am not as strong as others may think I am in terms of my faith and trust in the Lord.

For the past 18 years since I made my vows, it has been a journey of faith with God, who has remained ever faithful to me. When I learned to place my complete faith, trust, and confidence in Him—who called me to this life—many possibilities opened up. Things I once considered impossible became possible: learning another language, living in and understanding a different culture, learning new skills, and embracing new experiences. All these things, which I once saw as challenges, became possible when embraced with faith.

Indeed, I can say that in God and with God, nothing is impossible. Everything is possible with God’s grace.

A disciple’s life of faith is manifested in service to God and others. Today’s Gospel also invites us to adopt the attitude of a servant. All our talents and blessings are given to us for the service of our brothers and sisters, especially the poor. This is not an easy task, so let us be strengthened by St. Paul’s words to Timothy: “Bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.”

Our society today is in great need of servant leaders—men and women who use their positions and the resources at their disposal to serve others, especially the poor, who are the true victims of greed and corrupt leadership. We pray for our leaders—in our communities, in government, and in the Church—that they may become servant leaders who work for the common good.

A closer relationship with God enables us to grow in faith and perseverance, so that we may become God’s servants amidst trials and difficulties. Let our prayer be:

Lord, increase our faith and make us Your loving, faithful, and trustworthy servants. Amen.

CLAIRE MARIE SY, CMT