What Jesus’ Parable Teaches About Faithful Devotion
Fr. Felix Phiri, SMM
What Jesus’ Parable Teaches About Faithful Devotion
In Luke 17, Jesus teaches His disciples about forgiveness.
When Peter asks how many times, they should forgive those who offend them, Jesus provides an answer that challenges their understanding. In response, the disciples say, “Lord, increase our faith,” recognizing that forgiveness is a deeply difficult act.
Jesus then offers them a powerful illustration. He explains that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish great things, such as commanding a mountain to uproot and move. To deepen their understanding, Jesus shares a parable about a servant.
Faith is Revealed Through Humble Service
In the parable, a servant works all day and comes home tired and hungry, only to be told by his master to prepare a meal before taking care of his own needs. From a human perspective, this may seem unfair, even harsh. But Jesus uses this example to emphasize a key lesson: faith is revealed through humble service. Genuine, pure, and sincere faith manifests in complete trust and wholehearted devotion to God.
Jesus challenges His followers to adopt the attitude of total service to God, just as a servant faithfully serves their master. This relationship highlights that true faith is not just about belief but about living in full surrender and trust in God’s authority.
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What Jesus’ Parable Teaches About Faithful Devotion
Parable of the Mustard Seed: Dutch Poet, Illustrator and Engraver: Jan Luyken: (lived) 1649-1712
Return to Meditation for the Week
Gospel Reading: Luke: 17: 7-10
First Reading: Ti 2:1-8, 11-14
If You Had the Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed . . .