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“Increase Our Faith”

27^th Sunday of Ordinary Time – Year C 

Every week I celebrate funeral Masses for parishioners who have passed away. These events always give me much to think about, but especially the fact that life is very fragile. We never know when God will call us from this earth. And so, in faith, we must always prepare for the moment of our death; for, faith is what gives our life meaning.

In the Gospel reading for this Sunday, the Apostles say to Jesus “Increase our faith.” The Apostles use the imperative not because they were rude, but because they saw how they needed this virtue in order to have the strength to pass through the trials, difficulties, sufferings, and mundane events of their daily lives. The Apostles also knew that faith is the compass that shows the direction in which to go. They knew that through faith they could be sure that life here on earth is not the end-all be-all: Heaven exists. It tells us that union with Christ is our goal.

Though some of us may still be young or even very young, we still do not know when our time on earth will come to an end. We do know and believe, however, that within each of our hearts there is a longing for something that will give our lives meaning. And faith is that very thing—the very virtue that will lead and guide us to the place we believe exists: Heaven.

Throughout His entire life on the earth and even now, Jesus is always faithful to the Father. Jesus is also always faithful to us. As our Friend and Lord He gives us everything we need, and He helps us. He is our example of faith—the example we are called to follow. We can never have too much faith.

As you receive Jesus in the Eucharist today, pray and ask Him like the Apostles, “Lord, increase my faith!”

And through faith, believe that He will do it. Everything is possible for God and for those who have faith.

Yours in Christ,
Father Arthur

Readings for the twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time: Lectionary 141