The last two Sundays we were focused on the issue of the proper use of earthly goods. Now we are reminded of the constancy and hard work expected of us as Jesus' disciples. If there is something Jesus wanted to correct among the "better" ones of his listeners, it is the indulgence in self-righteousness and self-congratulation. Unlike the older son of the man with two sons who angrily boasted to his father of his goodness, and more like the younger son who could only mutter about his unworthiness (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time), the Christian should know that shehe is expected in everything to be simply doing herhis utmost best because it is herhis duty (Luke 17:5-10).
Daunting standards. Christian discipleship as we have repeatedly seen operates on standards that are daunting. St. Luke in his Chapter 17 sets off with the minimum expected of the followers of Jesus: one must not give scandal to others causing them to sin, and one should be ready to assist and correct another and be always willing to forgive. Hearing these stringent demands, the apostles could only gasp out to Jesus, "Increase our faith." These moral requisites of discipleship truly necessitate a strong faith.
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