Today’s gospel starts with the apostles recognizing the smallness of their faith: The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” Jesus responds by telling them (and us) that even a tiny faith is powerful. We know that when we put our faith into practice, it grows. This is the message in the next part of the gospel. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.” In other words, Jesus calls us to faithful service. Jesus is telling us that the reward of faithful service is service itself. Remember that Jesus is teaching the apostles, who will form the leadership nucleus for the Church. As leaders, they must be the examples of service. Service is driven by love. Pope Benedict XVI said that faith is a liberation of preoccupation with self.
St. Paul beautifully explains this in 1Cor13:1-13: If I have faith great enough to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing…There are in the end three things that last: faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love. Out of our love, flows service. Jesus provides the best example. Jesus dies on the cross out of love for every human being, past, present and future, so that we can live eternally. Yes, God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him may not die but may have eternal life. (Jn3:16) Jesus continues serving us. His love for us is so great that He gives Himself to us in the Holy Eucharist.
St. Paul tells us in today’s second reading. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. The word “power” here comes from the Greek word “dunamis”, which means, strength, abundance and ability. The word “dynamite” finds its origins in this word. Yes, we have the very power of God the Holy Spirit within us and working in our midst. That power becomes unleashed through love!
God bless us all always!
Deacon Mike