Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear Friends,
As someone who just graduated college, I know how easy it is to feel overwhelmed by the “next step.” Whether it’s finding a job, figuring out coursework, moving to a new city, or just figuring out adulthood…the future can feel like one giant question mark. When we come to these kinds of crossroads, we often do what the apostles did in today’s Gospel. We ask God something like: “Increase our faith.”
Now, when the apostles did this they weren’t asking for less work, easier lives, or a five-year plan; they were asking for something simpler than that. They were asking for the very thing needed to push them through some of those difficult times.
Jesus’ response to this request is surprising though. He doesn’t say, “Sure, I’ll give you more faith.” Instead, He reminds them that even the tiniest amount of faith—even the size of a mustard seed—has incredible power. That’s good news for us. Sometimes we think we need to have our lives perfectly in order before God can work through us but Jesus is telling us that God can do great things even with the little trust we can muster in the middle of our mess and chaos.
Transitioning to the second part of this Gospel, Jesus’ request here feels like a harder task. Jesus compares us to servants who don’t expect thanks for doing what’s asked. At first, that sounds discouraging. Don’t we want recognition for the good work we do or the effort we put into things? Jesus doesn’t say this to put us down—He’s simply shifting our perspective. Our worth doesn’t come from accomplishments, grades, résumés, co-ops or how “productive” we are. Our worth is already secure because we belong to God. Living our faith, serving others, and following His commands isn’t about earning points—it’s simply our response to the love we’ve already received.
So what does this mean for us (young adult or otherwise)? It means faith isn’t about waiting until we feel “ready.” It’s about choosing to trust God today, even if our faith feels small. It means serving without keeping score, loving without needing recognition, and remembering that our deepest identity is not in being “successful” but in being God’s beloved children.
If you feel like your faith is barely hanging on, take heart—a mustard seed is more than enough. Offer it to Jesus and watch what He can do.
-Eva Kraus, Drexel Alumna