Thrive!

Greetings on this the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14; Luke 17:5-10

Summary

And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to [this] mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you (LK 17:5-6).

Just to be clear, Jesus is not advocating destroying trees. A tree would not survive in the ocean, much less thrive, as it cannot place roots and the excess salt would be intolerable.

He is saying you must have faith. If you are in circumstances that seem as impossible as a tree growing in the sea, you can and must thrive anyway.

• Broke your leg? – thrive.
• Lost your job? – thrive.
• Heartbroken? – thrive.
• Mistreated? – thrive.

In our first reading today, the prophet Habakkuk is complaining to the Lord. The situation is less than ideal.

• Violence.
• Misery.
• Destruction.
• Strife.
• Clamerous discord.
• And, basically, all the wonders of the past (Exodus) I’m not sure I believe anymore.

He isn’t exzxaggerating, nor does the Lord make light of the circumstances Habakkuk described.

Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision; Make it plain upon tablets so that the one who reads it may run. For the vision is a witness for the appointed time, a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint. If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. See, the rash have no integrity; but the just one who is righteous because of faith shall live (Habakkuk 2:2-4).

The psalmist recalls even during the Exodus we sometimes faulter in our faith.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
“Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as in the day of Massah in the desert,
Where your fathers tempted me;
they tested me though they had seen my works.” (PS 95:8-9).

Shift to Thriving

The psalmist offers this perspective.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;
let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him. (PS 95:1-2)

And, the second Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy, reminds him the Gifts Timothy Has Received.

For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began (2 Tim 1:1-9).

Reflection

We see the realization of the Lord’s presence even in the most difficult circumstances. Saint Francis of Assisi, even with such physical distress, remained joyful. The Prophets Ezekiel, Jeremiah and Amos all came to the same conclusion. Life is difficult. Choose your difficult. The Lord is present and aiding us even in these dire circumstances.

Personal Reflection

Saint Paul has a thorn in the flesh. It was important enough to pray about and record the response. My Grace is sufficient.

For me, I have tried to make the transition from giving difficulty more power than it deserves. Name and recognize, sure. But deny power of your person to it, rather, submit and rest in the hands of a loving God.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100525.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry