LIVING BY FAITH AND HUMBLE SERVICE

Homily for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Bible Readings: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4; 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14; Luke 17:5-10

The readings of this Sunday invite us into a deep reflection on what it truly means to live by faith. They remind us that authentic faith is not simply believing in God when things are easy, but trusting Him when life feels uncertain, confusing, or unfair. From the lament of the prophet Habakkuk, through Paul’s exhortation to Timothy, to Jesus’ teaching on faith and service, we are called to a faith that is persevering, courageous, and humble.

In the first reading, the prophet Habakkuk, troubled by the violence and injustice around him, cries out: “How long, O Lord, must I cry for help, and you will not hear?” (Hab 1:2). He cannot understand why God seems silent in the face of suffering. But God’s response is not an explanation, it is an instruction: “Write the vision plainly on tablets… though it delays, wait for it; for it will surely come. The righteous shall live by faith” (Hab 2:2-4). In other words, when God’s ways appear slow or hidden, we are invited to remain faithful, to hold fast to the vision He has given, and to trust that His promises will be fulfilled in due time.

Habakkuk’s cry is deeply human. Each of us knows what it feels like to ask, “Why, Lord?” - in the face of delay, sickness, loss, or disappointment. Yet God does not rebuke Habakkuk for asking. Instead, He teaches the prophet to turn his question into a posture of trust. Faith, then, is tested most when God seems silent. In those moments of waiting, our faith either deepens or diminishes. God invites us to keep believing, not because we can see the outcome, but because we know His nature - He is faithful and just.

The second reading continues this message. From his prison cell, St. Paul writes tenderly to his young disciple Timothy, urging him to “fan into flame the gift of God.” Faith, Paul suggests, is like fire - it can burn brightly or fade depending on how it is nourished. He reminds Timothy that the Spirit we have received is not one of fear, but of “power, love, and self-control.” Many Christians today feel weary and discouraged - burdened by failure, fear, or spiritual fatigue. Paul’s counsel is clear: rekindle your faith through prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments. When we stir up our spiritual fire, we rediscover the courage to live out our calling and to bear witness to Christ, even amid hardship.

In the Gospel, the apostles echo a cry familiar to every believer: “Lord, increase our faith!” (Lk 17:5). Jesus replies that even faith the size of a mustard seed can accomplish the impossible. Faith, He teaches, is not about quantity but quality - not how much we have, but how alive and active it is. A small, sincere faith rooted in trust can move mountains because it opens the heart to God’s power. Jesus then tells a parable of a servant who does his duty without expecting reward. By this, He shows that true faith must be accompanied by humble service. We do not serve God for applause or recognition, but out of love and obedience. Genuine faith expresses itself in action - quiet, steady, and selfless.

When we put these readings together, a single message shines through: faith is not just an inner conviction but a way of life - a trust that expresses itself through humble service. Habakkuk calls us to patient faith in times of trial. Paul urges us to courageous faith in mission. And Jesus calls us to obedient faith in everyday service. Living by faith means not demanding constant signs from God but staying faithful even when results are delayed. It means serving others quietly, courageously, and consistently, confident that God sees what the world does not.

Perhaps your faith has been shaken by unanswered prayers, personal struggles, or discouragement. Today’s liturgy is God’s gentle whisper to your heart: “Wait for the vision… it will surely come.” Fan into flame your faith. Rekindle your love for prayer and service. And when you have done all that is required, say with humility, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done only our duty.” That is the language of true discipleship - faith that trusts, endures, and serves.

May the Lord strengthen our faith, grant us courage to persevere, and teach us to serve Him humbly and joyfully all our days. Amen.