TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, OCTOBER 5, 2025

MASS READINGS

Gospel Luke 17:5-10

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."

The Lord replied, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you."

Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here immediately and take your place at table'?

Would he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished'?

Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?

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.'"

REFLECTION

When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

What an interesting teaching from Jesus. He knows that after we do the bare minimum we expect a reward as if we have done something beyond heroic. It makes me think on when my kids were expecting me to give them money for making their beds, I would reply "do you pay me for cooking your dinner"? I do have to say they did get a stipend based on other certain works.

It is the same with adults. We think that by doing the absolute minimum we have an automatic ticket to heaven. Do we know what is the minimum the Church requires from us?

There are 5 precepts of the Church we all have to follow (CCC 2041-2043):

1. Attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.

2. Confess your sins at least once a year.

3. Humbly receive your Creator in Holy Communion at least during the Easter season.

4. Keep holy the holy days of obligation.

5. Observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence.

   The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his abilities.

Our wise Church tells us that by participating in the Mass we gather as a community to commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus. Confession helps us in our path of conversion and sanctification. The Eucharist is the center of the Liturgy, and we grow closer to Jesus by receiving Him. By keeping holy the holy days of obligation we honor God, the Virgin Mary and the Saints. The penance of fasting helps us prepare for the liturgical feasts, and helps us grow free from our own instincts and attachments.

When I think about it, these are very easy steps to follow. It is not like we are climbing Mount Everest or running a marathon. The Church gives us these small steps we all can take to move towards God. At the same time we honor Him as we grow closer to Him. And as we grow closer we grow in love for Him. And then, we can do more for Him and our brothers and sisters and serve Him better.

God bless y'all!