Homily for the Memorial of St. Leo the Great

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