27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: "INCREASE OUR FAITH" SHOULD BE ABOUT QUALITY

Habakkuk’s Struggle and God’s Assurance

The prophet Habakkuk cries out against the violence, oppression, and destruction he witnesses: “How long, O Lord? I cry for help, but you do not listen!” Yet God reminds him that His timing is perfect: “The vision still has its time… if it delays, wait for it.” This shows us that authentic faith is not measured by immediate answers, but by the ability to trust God’s promises despite delay. Faith waits, perseveres, and believes even in silence. Faith tries us yet makes us strong.

Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed

In the Gospel, the disciples cry out, “Increase our faith.” Jesus answers with the image of the mustard seed—tiny, yet capable of uprooting a mulberry tree. Why would God increase your faith when you haven't used the one you have been given already? Why would He increase your faith when challenges make you waver? Imagine a little boy who always cried for more candy from mom. Each time mom gave him candy, he cried for more. This boy isn’t aware of the candy he already has and would not be satisfied, no matter how much mom gave him. The point is not quantity but quality. Even the smallest authentic faith, rooted in God, can unleash extraordinary power. The disciples think they need more, but Jesus teaches them that they have more. We have faith much bigger than the mustard seed, only that we are blinded by things that threaten our faith.

Different Measures, One Source

The disciples came from diverse backgrounds—fishermen, tax collectors, revolutionaries. Their faith was different in expression, yet all were called to rely completely on Jesus. Paul reminds the Romans: “God has given to each one his measure of faith” (Rom. 12:3). Some are gifted to teach, others to serve, lead, encourage, or show mercy. The call is not to compete but to complement, putting faith into action for the sake of the Gospel. Several times, we find ourselves in communities of faith where we can support and strengthen each other, especially during faith struggles.

The Saints as Witnesses of Quality Faith

The saints remind us that faith is lived differently but always with God at the center. Mother Teresa, John Paul II, St. Francis of Assisi, St. John Vianney, St. Padre Pio, St. Ignatius of Loyola, etc., all expressed faith in unique ways. What they shared was the conviction that faith is a lifelong journey with God, constantly fanned into flame through prayer, good works, and surrender to the Holy Spirit. Looking up to a saint and imitating their way of life can help us when we are not strong enough. Affiliate with a saint and seek the intercession of that saint as needed. It makes sense to have a spiritual partner for inspiration.

Where Is My Faith Today?

Jesus is telling us today that faith does not need to be grandiose. It only needs to be alive. Even if small, it can move mountains if it is genuine and anchored in God. Our upbringing, circumstances, and struggles shape how our faith grows—but no matter what, we already have what we need. In my younger years, I used to hear my dad say to us, “I don’t pray a lot, but I know that God hears me.” As I grew older, it became clearer to me that this was a statement about faith. It’s about how strongly we believe that God hears us in all circumstances. Our faith must be active, responsive, and trusting, not necessarily big.

Readings: Habakkuk 1:2–3, 2:2–4 | 2 Timothy 1:6–8, 13–14 | Luke 17:5–10

Reflection Questions

1. Do I often wait passively for God to “increase my faith,” or am I using the faith I already have?

2. How do I put my small but real faith into action in my family, work, or community?

3. What example from the saints inspires me to live out a quality faith in my daily life?