The prophet Habakkuk wrote his book not long before the siege and capture of Jerusalem in 586 BC, at a time when the Babylonian army was on the march towards Jerusalem. The events of those times remind me of the events when the Russian army was building up its forces on the border of Ukraine at the beginning of 2022. Speaking on behalf of his people, Habakkuk cries out to God saying, “Why can’t you do something to stop this oppression, tyranny and discord?” And the Lord replies, “Write down what you believe is the future of your nation. Then, wait patiently, through the chaos that will come, and what you hope for will come about. Stand firm and do not give up hope.”
These words find resonance in the second reading from the second letter of Paul to Timothy (1:6-8,13-14) where Paul urges Timothy to fan the dying embers of faith, so that you can overcome your fears and be inspired by the Spirit that enables you bear hardships because you trust in the power of God working within you. Finally, we come to the gospel reading from Luke (17:5-10) where the apostles came to Jesus and said, “Increase our faith.” Jesus response is to say that, if your faith was even the size of a small mustard seed it could achieve wonders. Simply do what you are expected to do within the limits of your humanity and call to stewardship and God will do the rest.
Whether we talk about the war in Ukraine, the impacts of climate change in Pakistan and parts of the United States at present, or the failure to adequately address the impact of the rise in the cost of living and its effects upon the lives of the poor, what is needed are prophetic voices that call for visionary leadership, voices that help to inflame faith-filled Christian commitment in a way whereby we can truly trust that history lies in the hands of God, the God who, on the other hand, simply says to us, “Please do your part.” And what is your part? It may simply be prayer. But please don’t underestimate the power of your prayer. In ever so many small ways we contribute mightily to the spread of the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of justice, love and peace throughout our world.
Columban Fr. Tom Rouse provided this reflection.