Homily, October 5, 2025
From The Pastor
The readings today focus on faith as a gift from God. As a gift, faith needs
mature and ongoing attention to remain strong that it may persevere in times of trial. The inclination in challenging times is to question the presence and action of God. We are tempted to question the fidelity of God’s care and protection. We are inclined to say: where is God? Why is God not helping us in this time of uncertainty and disorder?
Faith must live in the reality of life as it is presented to us. To pretend what is happening right before our eyes is a denial of what is, in the presumption that God will take care of the problem. This is an immature and self-defeating response. Strong faith is a faith tested in challenging and uncertain times.
The readings today are quite applicable to our time. Political tensions, wars, human suffering, and oppression are evident in many places throughout the world. There is considerable political divide in our own country fueled by fear, anger, violence, and judgement cast on the ‘other side.’ As Jesus has made clear, ‘a house divided cannot stand.’ If our stance against those who disagree with us is one of judgement and hatred, we ourselves are part of the problem. As members in Christ, our call is to work for unity and peace within the context of our divisions and opposing views.
I approach this theme in the setting of our readings today. If I am correct, this same set of readings were read on the Sunday following the events of 9/11. Notice the cry and appeal of the Prophet Habakkuk. Habakkuk was a contemporary of Jeremiah. Decades earlier, the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by Assyria. In the time of Habakkuk, Babylon was threatening the southern kingdom of Israel. Thus, the plea and cry of the weary prophet.
‘How long, O Lord? I cry for help but you do not listen! I cry out to you, “Violence” but you do not intervene.’ The plea goes on followed by God’s response. It is a vision of hope and promise given by God that the day of fulfillment will come. It is a powerful and encouraging message even though it calls for patience in delay and secure faith along the way. Habakkuk is told to write down the vision for all to see and hear giving the people hope and courage in their time of trial.
God is holding up a mirror for us to see the reality of our times with the same call to mature faith with courage and hope in God’s care. In such times we must depend on God, but not on God alone. As we trust in God’s providence, don’t you suppose God is waiting for us to act on the faith we profess?
The letter of St. Paul to Timothy hits the point. Paul reminds Timothy to ‘stir into flame’ the gift of God given you in Christ, calling him and us, to not give in to a spirt of cowardice, evident in words and actions of fear, judgement, and hatred for our enemies. Further, Paul insists that Timothy not be ashamed of his faith and witness of gospel life. Can we say the same? Does our profession of faith match the sentiment of our heart in the matters that disturb us? Is this not a time to strengthen our faith in the challenges the world presents to us? The cycle of evil and oppression has long been active in the world, which is why I point to similar tensions from biblical times. Ours is a time that calls for faith. I was struck recently by something I read in a devotional book I use. The point was that God can bring good and reveal his glory even out of evil. The disorder of evil binds all of us. By design, evil creates division, hatred, judgement, and violence among those who previously were friends.
If you think this makes no sense or is not possible, remember the Exaltation of the Cross we recently celebrated. The Crucifixion of Jesus is the pinnacle of all evil, yet that very act became the revelation of Divine glory. God turned that darkest hour into the light and glory of our redemption in the Lordship of Jesus over all heaven and earth.
The gospel is the same message. You have faith. You have enough faith. Build up your faith, stir it into flame, and act upon it. Pray with a heart of peace, justice, and compassion not just from your point of view, but that of Christ. Pray for the vision and completion of God’s redemption for the world. We are not worthless servants when, in gratitude for the gift of faith, we do all that we can to align ourselves to the will of God and do our share in bringing it about. The world needs your goodness and faith. Do not be divided by the tensions of fear and hate created by the world. We are children of the light. Use your light to bring hope and courage into every place you find yourself.
Father John Esper
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