Today’s Gospel passage is preceded by a request of Jesus from His Apostles. They say to Him, “Increase our faith.”[1] And today’s passage is His response to that request.
A few years ago, I had an employee who would show up for work at exactly 8:00 AM every day. He would take his breaks at the prescribed times and for the exact amount of time allotted, and he left at precisely 4:00 PM every day. As was his due, he took all allotted vacation days and personal days. And he always took exactly the number of sick days he was allowed; he even scheduled them. He always did exactly what was expected of him; nothing less and nothing more.
Did I have a major complaint? No. Would I give him an Employee of the Year Award? Probably not.
His job was important to him but only insofar as he received his pay each week. It would be hard to say that he loved his job or that he was dedicated to it. He was dedicated to getting his paycheck (which is understandable), and to doing what he needed to do to get it, but nothing more.
That’s the kind of approach that Jesus warns against in his response to His Apostles’ request to increase their faith.
Faith is more than checking off a list of completed requirements; it’s a way of life that impels us to build on what is merely required to truly be an active part of the mission of Jesus Christ. It’s not just what we do; it’s what we live and breathe in our words, actions, and attitudes.+
[1] Luke 17:5
Homily for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Solemnity of Christ the King
Homily for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc and His Companions
Homily for Thanksgiving Day
Homily for the Memorial of St. Cecilia
Homily for the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Homily for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Homily for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Tuesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
Homily for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours
Homily for the Memorial of St. Leo the Great
Homily for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Homily for Wednesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Life After Ministry
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)