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."
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