"Lord, increase our faith:"

With this same attitude, we ask the Lord to help our faith to grow in its depth, conviction, genuineness and authenticity. Jesus certainly would want us to seek through prayer such an increase in faith, believing in the 'impossible'. This is an important aspect of discipleship.

In the parable of the Unprofitable Servant (Lk. 17:7-10), we are reminded of another aspect of discipleship, that is, salvation is not a 'reward' for the tasks well accomplished, but that it is a gratuitous offer or a sheer gift from God. This is affirmed in the second reading wherein the gifts from God which we have been entrusted are to be used for the building the Kingdom of God on earth. A true disciple will not boast of what is achieved in fulfilling one's duty in life but to consider ourselves as unprofitable servants who have done only what is our obligation to God. In fact, where there is an attachment of love, there is always a sense of not having done enough. Our lives can then be meaningful when we do our duty to God and others and not seek 'rewards' that make it meaningful.

Living in our world where there is injustice leading to massive violence and discord becoming prevalent, we need to turn to God like prophet Habakkuk (first reading). The Lord is sure to answer our prayer if we remain faithful to His word.