The 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time | Sunday 2 October 2022

Today is Sunday the 2nd of October, beginning the 27th week of Ordinary time.


David Gungor with The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Have Mercy on Me’.


The goodness of the Lord is the kindess of the Lord
with ev’ry breath we take, the gift of life and grace.
The power of the Lord is the meekness of the Lord
who bore humanity with brave humility.
Let Your mercy flow through us, Your mercy, Your mercy.
The beauty of the Lord is the suff’ring of the Lord,
is Christ upon a tree, stripped of dignity.
The glory of the Lord is the mercy of the Lord,
gives life for us to see a new humanity:
Let Your mercy flow through us, Your mercy, Your mercy.
When they see us, may they see Your mercy, Your mercy.
When they know us, may they know Your mercy, Your mercy.
Bless the hands and feet of those who serve in need,
of the broken and ashamed
Bless the weary soul, the Lord will make us whole;
God, speak peace to those afraid!
May the words we speak build a bridge for peace—
Your lovingkindness shows the way!
Open up our doors, giving refuge for all the weary and afraid…

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.


Luke 17:5-10


The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you.

‘Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, “Come here at once and take your place at the table”? Would you not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink”? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!” ’

Luke so often identifies what it means to be human, particularly the grace of getting it wrong. They are a covetous lot, these apostles. Their faith in Jesus is enough to expect him to provide for their needs; their trust is enough for them to ask for the world.


How do you respond to hearing this request? Does this form part of your prayer?

Jesus also speaks frankly of expectations. In our own roles we are aware of our responsibilities. Would you expect praise for fulfilling what is expected of you?


We might say that in some circumstances we need time and support to increase our skills, just as the friends ask for an increase in faith. Surely, we would expect it to take effort and perseverance on our part?

On this Sabbath day, take time to consider what you need to nurture your faith. Ask the Lord to be your teacher. Feel his blessing upon you.


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.