Faith and Duty

Hb 1: 2-3; 2: 2-4
Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9
2 Tm 1: 6-8, 13-14
Lk 17: 5-10

The key words in today's gospel might be "faith" and "duty". At the first reading, it may seem that the two had little connection. Jesus responds to the apostles' desire for greater faith by telling them two stories. One story illustrates the power or faith and the other tells us to regard our Christian service as duty, never expecting reward or recognition.

One link between these two stories may be found if we ponder the faith-filled life of someone we know who serves God diligently. Faith grows an dis nurtured by service to others. In our service we recognize our helplessness and powerlessness. Thus we rely on God much more and our faith in turn strengthened.

Secondly, one who is truly alive in faith desires to serve in responds to this great gift. Just as we have been touched by God; we desire others to experience this new life. We expect no reward and realize that it is a privilege to serve God.

This is what Paul calls Timothy to do in the second reading. As we serve the Lord and prepare to the sacraments of initiation, the Spirit is at work in us, making us "strong, loving, and wise."

Do we fully utilise our God given "gifts"?

Am 8:4-7
Ps 113:1-2, 4-8
1 Tm 2:1-8
Lk 16:1-13

The "good news" in today's readings may strike us as confusing. Is Jesus condoning the shrewd acts of the manager? Is he asking us to act in this way? The confusing may cause us to reflect on our material possessions and our use of them to examine our skills as managers of these gifts. It is in this way that our puzzlement may indeed become "good news".

Today we  are challenged to look at our management skills, to examine those people and/or things that we have authority over. What kind of stewards are we? The Gospel calls us to use our gifts of intelligence and perception. It is our privilege and duty to exercise these girts by keeping ourselves well informed in the matters of the world and of our faith. We are promised that we shall be welcomed into an eternal dwelling if we use our gifts to build friendship an dot vie life in our world.

The reading from Amos calls us  to continue to look at our dealings and all of our dealings with people. Are we honest in these relationships? Are we using our gifts to call forth the best in each situation? If our answer is a consistent "No" and we continue to worship and prepare for initiation into the midst of this kind of living, we scandalise the sacraments. For baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist call us to be more, to be Christ-like in all our doings. Our worship is not authentic if there is no intent to truly give "worth" to God in our life.

Reminders of the importance of God

Ex 21:7-11
Ps 51 2-6, 15-16, 20
1 Tm 1:12-17
Lk 15:1-32

Today's gospel contains three parables that speak to us of God's love and mercy. Most especially these stories remind us that no matter how far off the chose path we may stray, God will be waiting and welcoming us.

In the Exodus reading, the Israelites have built an altar of god and brought animals to burn as sacrifice. They have turned their backs on the Lord who brought them out of Egypt. Moses pleads on behalf of his people and God relents, keeping his promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Once again we are reminded that it is in our sinfulness that God comes to us. Like the son who returned to his loving father, we too can celebrate with the Lord out of our weakness. For we walk our closest walk with him when we acknowledge our helplessness and utter dependence on God, our Father.

The Church offers us it welcoming arms, too, through the sacraments of baptism and reconciliation. Celebrating these sacraments is encountering the loving Father as he welcomes us or calls us back to the family of believers. But, like the son, we must acknowledge our sins, turn away and return to the Father.

How often we fail to do this, telling ourselves "The sin is too great!" or "Next time I'll deal with this." We doubt the unlimited mercy of God, and deny the need to have his help in getting back "on track".