Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed

Speaker: Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines

October 04, 2022

in Spritual Growth

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17th Sunday of Ordinary Time:
Readings: Habakkuk 1:1-6, 12-13; 2:14
2 Timothy 2:6-14
Luke 17:4-10

If we are open to the Word of God, we will find out the many awesome things He’s done for us. On the cross, we may see only what’s on the outside, without realizing the tremendous things He had to go through and how He overcame sin and sickness. And in the resurrection, He gave us new life and freedom. He has given us so many things. Why do we feel weak and ignorant when God has blessed us abundantly? In today’s Gospel, Christ instructs the Apostles regarding His life, His ways. He tells them there will be stumbling blocks, pain and suffering. He teaches them to forgive, not once but seven times. Even 70 times 7. The apostles could not quite comprehend. Being human, they go through all sorts of human emotions. They asked Jesus to give them more faith. And Jesus said, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you could say to the mulberry tree, be uprooted and be planted in the sea.” Matthew 17:20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

God is literally saying, “all things are possible.” The apostles were apprehensive because they were being dictated by their human emotions. But what God was wanting them to realize is that they already have the faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God. The more we use our faith, the faster. the stronger it will grow on us. God gave us life and life abundantly. We have been healed by His stripes. We need to grasp this truth and receive it.

Jesus then told them another account about a servant who has been plowing the field the whole day. He returns, tired and hungry. But the master of the house will tell him to go clean up first, prepare food, then bring it to him so that he can eat. The servant will not get to eat until after he has served his master and the master has eaten. 2 Timothy 1:6 “For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” We should not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord. God wants us to understand our priorities. But many times we put ourselves first without thinking of others. We want the glory to ourselves when we should be putting God first. Like the worker who has worked all day plowing the field, it is our task to serve our master first. Part of our ministry is to forgive. We are here to build and restore. John 11:40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 1 Corinthians 12 We have been given spiritual gifts so that we can bring glory to God. We should not bring glory to ourselves. It’s our task to bring glory to Him. Our lesson in faith reminds us to use it, working on God’s promises. He has supplied faith to us through Jesus Christ.