As the Church marks the Twenty-seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time, Fr Luke Gregory, OFM, reflects on “The power of faith and service”
By Father Luke Gregory, OFM *
In the Gospel today, we encounter a powerful dialogue between the apostles and the Lord, which addresses two fundamental aspects of our spiritual journey: faith and service. Its wisdom transcends time and resonates within the hearts of all men and women of goodwill.
The passage begins with the apostles requesting, “Increase our faith.” This humble plea reveals a deep understanding of their reliance on divine strength to bolster their belief. Faith is often perceived as a monumental force, yet Jesus introduces a radical concept: even faith as small as a mustard seed can have immense power. The Lord claims that such faith can command a mulberry tree to uproot itself and plant itself in the sea. This metaphor illustrates that faith, despite its size, can lead to tremendous transformation and change, both within us and in the world around us. This assertion can feel daunting at times. Many may think, “My faith isn’t sufficient. How can it make a difference?” Yet, through Jesus’ illustration, we learn that it is not the quantity of our faith that matters, but rather its quality. The mustard seed, one of the smallest seeds, grows into a large tree, symbolising potential. Likewise, when we nurture a small amount of genuine faith, it can grow and lead to extraordinary outcomes. In our daily lives, this may manifest as finding courage in difficult circumstances, extending grace to others, or taking action when we feel inadequate.
Following this powerful lesson on faith, Jesus shifts the focus to service. He poses a series of rhetorical questions about the relationship between a master and a servant. The scenario is familiar; a servant returns from a long day of work in the fields. Rather than immediately being welcomed to the table, the servant is expected to fulfil additional duties—preparing dinner and serving the master. This analogy emphasises the often-overlooked nature of service in our spiritual path of life. Jesus’ comparison between a servant’s expected actions and our own obligation to serve challenges our understanding of entitlement and gratitude. He concludes, stating that after performing our duties, we should regard ourselves as “unprofitable servants.” This does not devalue our contributions; instead, it prompts us to recognise the inherent duty of service.
We serve not for recognition or reward, but out of love and commitment to our higher calling. The confluence of faith and service beckons us to reflect on our own lives. How often do we allow ourselves to step into faith without restraint? Moreover, how frequently do we embody the humility and diligence expected of a faithful servant?
In a world that often emphasises individual achievement, the gospel reminds us that our roles in service to one another—through acts of kindness, compassion, and humility—are just as essential as individual feats of faith.
Ultimately, today’s gospel calls all men and women of goodwill to embrace the profound simplicity of faith and the dignity of service. It invites us to recognise that true greatness lies not in seeking accolades but in uplifting others through our faith-filled actions. In this ‘sacred dance’ of belief and service, we become instruments of transformation, echoing the love and grace we have received.
* Fr Luke Gregory ofm, Custody of the Holy Land
