Monday of the 32nd week in the ordinary time
Theme: “Lord, increase our faith”
In the gospel reading of today, after listening to the teaching of Jesus, the apostles requested for an increase in faith. This was very necessary at that time, taking into consideration the challenging words of Jesus. Jesus started by acknowledging the fact that there will be temptation to sin, but woe to him by whom it comes. That is why we have to be very careful, lest we lead some people who look up to us astray. We have to guide against misleading actions in our daily life. Always remember that you may just be the only book that an individual may have the opportunity to read, try to make the outcome a positive one for both you and the person. With this consciousness in our daily life, we will be leading people to heaven and not leading them astray. This is very possible, if we resolve to do it.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, in the gospel Jesus also talked about the need for us to forgive anyone who offends us and is remorseful, as often as it happens. You will agree with me that in some situation it may be challenging to forgive an individual repeatedly, but that is what Jesus is encouraging us to practice in our life as children of God. Humanly speaking it may seem to be impossible, but we stand on the word of God which says that his grace is sufficient for us in any given situation we find ourselves in life. The fact that Jesus said it, means that it is something that we can do in our lives if we resolve to make it happen. Simply put, it may be a difficult task but it is not impossible, taking into consideration the fact that with God everything is possible. In view of this my brothers and sisters in Christ, we are all encouraged to pray for the grace to let go all those who have offended us and we find it difficult to forgive them. As we forgive them, it also gives us the opportunity to pray for the forgiveness of those we have also offended. This is because from time to time, we offend God and one another and we expect to be forgiven.
Dearly beloved in Christ, with all this in mind, you can now understand why the apostles of Jesus were requesting for increase in faith. It is a task that will be strengthened by faith in God. Just like the apostles, may the Lord increase our faith in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirt. Amen. Peace be with you.