A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 17:7-10)
Jesus said to the Apostles: “So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus continues to respond to the request of the Apostles: “Increase our faith.” Taking the request of the apostles into account along with today’s message, Jesus emphasizes the means of increasing faith: forgiveness and obedience. Forgiveness frees us to serve others in humility and obedience. The demands of discipleship call for dutiful service not for the sake of reward but in obedience to the Lord’s commands. Forgiveness is a form of detachment from obstacles that prevent us from recognizing and doing God’s will.
Father in heaven, hear my prayer. In forgiving others I know that I am doing as Jesus commands. Yet, I fail to do that so often on so many levels. Help me dwell on my inability and weakness as a way to recognize my dependence on you for genuine forgiveness. The gift you give me is one that I immediately give away in letting go of even the little injuries that tend to fester and do harm. Help me recall the words of the Our Father today in obedience to your kingdom and in forgiving the trespasses of others.
From the responsorial psalm: “When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. I will bless the Lord at all times.” Let my soul glory, Lord, in you alone.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.