Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Reflection 2019
Author: Kathe Lehman-Meyer
October 6, 2019
In today’s world of growing expectations for each of us, the readings this Sunday remind us that the Lord will magnify our faith if we only ask and that faith will guide us on our journey to fulfill those expectations. Luke’s gospel reading questions our perspective of our expectations. The servant is invited in, and takes a place at the table when the expectation is that the servant should in fact prepare and serve the food. We are invited in, as the servant and offered a place at the table simply because we have faith the size of a mustard seed.
Personally, I often find it hard to disappoint anyone, and will do my best to follow through, even if the expectation is unreasonable. I know that I need to rely on the Holy Spirit when I have to stand up for myself to renegotiate those expectations. It’s so much easier for me to stand up for injustice that I witness impacting others. It’s easy to oppose violence, and call out for the Lord’s help in those situations, such as the recent Texas shootings. Where is my faith when I’m overwhelmed with my day-to-day situation? With health challenges and family issues?
If I don’t follow through as I would like, or intend, do I still have a place at the table? The old testament reading HAB 1:2-3; 2:2-4 gives us a practical suggestion to write down the vision, and that the vision has it’s time. Sometimes if I just list what I have to do and the expectation for those items on the agenda, I find it easier to take it to God in prayer. In doing that, I am reminded and encouraged by the Responsorial Psalm 95, “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts”. This takes courage, to renegotiate and to face the challenges ahead but the new testament reading reminds us that strength comes from God. I only need to have the faith of a tiny almost invisible mustard seed.