Reflections

Homily Reflection on the Gospel of Luke 17:5-10

Today’s Gospel presents us with the powerful parable of the mustard seed—a tiny seed that, when cultivated, grows into a large, sheltering tree. Jesus’s message to the disciples is clear: even a small amount of faith, if genuine and nurtured, can grow into something mighty. The disciples, asking Jesus to increase their faith, remind us that faith isn’t about size but about strength and trust in God’s promise.

Many years ago, I was inspired by my grandmother’s story—her journey of faith that beautifully illustrates this teaching. She was a woman from the Shankill Road in Belfast, working in a cigarette factory in the 1920s. Her family was strict Presbyterian, and her father was an Orange Order member—deeply rooted in tradition and often wary of other faiths. Yet, one day, her Catholic friends invited her into their church, and she accepted. Over time, despite lacking formal Catholic education, her faith grew stronger through prayer, reading, and her daily commitment to Mass. She loved her faith deeply, attended Mass regularly, and led a good life rooted in trust and love for Jesus. She chose to become Catholic—her faith, small yet genuine, became a source of strength and hope for her. She was my grandmother, and her faith shaped my own journey.

This story reminds us that faith, like a mustard seed, begins small but can grow into something much greater through nurturing and trust. My parents grew up in the 1930s—an era when literacy was not widespread, but their prayers and participation in Mass showed a deep trust in God. Despite not understanding everything, they knew their faith was real because they listened, prayed, and belonged. Their faith, small yet strong, laid the foundation for my own.

The Gospel also points us to the model of Jesus, the servant—who came not to be served, but to serve. Isaiah describes the Messiah as a righteous servant, and Jesus exemplified this through His acts of healing, feeding the hungry, and washing His disciples’ feet. His life teaches us humility and service as the highest calling.

The diaconate, in particular, is rooted in this example. Deacons serve not for recognition or reward but out of humility—reaching out to the marginalized, caring for the stranger, and humbly acting in love. Like Jesus, they use the small faith entrusted to them to serve others. Service becomes a way of life, a reflection of Christ’s own ministry.

This Gospel carries a threefold message: Faith, Obedience, and Service. When the disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith, He responds with the image of the mustard seed—not about how much faith they have, but about the quality and potential of that faith. Even a small, genuine faith can make a big difference when nurtured.

Reflecting on my own childhood in North Belfast, I realize that many of my parents’ generation had small but sincere faith. Despite limited literacy, they knew their prayers by heart, attended Mass, and trusted in God’s presence. Their faith, though simple, was strong and impactful—passed down through generations, shaping who I am today.

Yesterday, we celebrated the feast of St. Francis—a man who started with just a few followers, yet through humble service and love for the poor, his movement grew exponentially. His life exemplifies how even a small group committed to service can transform the world.

In our own lives, we are called to be like the mustard seed—small in size but mighty in faith when nurtured. Whether we serve in our families, communities, or through our church ministries, our acts of humility and love ripple outward. Deacons, in particular, are called to serve—proclaiming the Gospel, caring for the vulnerable, and humbly acting in the spirit of Christ.

Let us remember: the Lord invites us to nurture the small seeds of faith within us—through prayer, service, and trust—so that they may grow into trees of strength and shelter for others. As Jesus teaches, true greatness lies in humility, in service, and in trusting God’s power working through our small efforts.

God bless.