Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Jerusalem Bible Translation)
Liturgy of the Word for October 6, 2013 (NAB Translations)
Lectionary: 141
The liturgy of the word is fairly straight forward this week, but they serve as a great reminder of the call of our lives as disciples of Jesus.
Reading 1
HB 1:2-3; 2:2-4
This week’s first reading from Habakkuk comes from one of the more obscure Old Testament prophets. His book is really only a few pages in most Bibles, and people don’t often quote him. The segment we see for this week is focused on a strange complaint from the prophet.
Habakkuk is not complaining because of their punishment. At this time, it was believed to be a just punishment for their unfaithfulness. He’s complaining because it’s coming by the hands of the pagans and going on for too long, making it look as if God is on their side. God responds by reminding him of the need for greater faithfulness.
Reading 2
2 TM 1:6-8, 13-14
In this week’s second reading, we see how an older and worn St Paul has now ended up imprisoned. He refers to a very distinct moment at the ordination of Timothy as Bishop by his laying on of hands. This a is a great reference for a Biblical excerpt that supports our sacrament of Holy Orders. A man cannot just one day choose to be a bishop or even a priest. It must come through the order of the Church.
Even though he speaks to Timothy about living out his vocation specifically as bishop, we can be inspired in how the Spirit has come down upon us since our baptisms. In a different way, we too can stir in our hearts the gifts given to us by the same Spirit of God.
Gospel
LK 17:5-10
This is a part of the Gospels that is exclusive to the St Luke’s. This week’s theme of the scriptures calls us to greater faithfulness. In a dramatic example of the uprooting of a tree to the ocean, Jesus begins the Gospel by pointing out how little faith most of us are willing to have.
Then Jesus reminds us of how demanding our faith must be in order to live it out as He desires for us. In the end, everything is grace – it all comes from God. Through a greater recognition of this, we can learn a more faithful surrender to our Lord. This surrender that gives us access to a greater freedom in Him.
Question for Reflection
Do you pray for an increase of faith? Where are we holding back?
Reflection done by Cristobal Almanza – @SoulPainter
Theme song – Ignite – Soundwave soundwave.cc
Background music
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