Year C Proper 22 Habakkuk: 1:2-3; 2:2-4 Luke 17:5-10

If someone were to ask you what the line is from Oliver that so many people often quote – what might come to your mind is, “Please, sir, may I have some more?” The words of a hungry child – they echo in our hearts, but we too are hungry, and often impatient. We too want more, though, unlike Oliver, we are not sure what we want more of, though we are usually quite certain we want it right now.

“How Long, O Lord?” The words of the prophet Habakkuk spoken centuries ago. And it seems that in this day and age people are asking that same question. Though we know God has not forsaken us, there are days when it seems that violence, death, and destruction haunt our world; when loss of health or wealth or meaning for our lives seems to follow us obscuring our hopes and dreams. On those days it is hard to see God’s vision for us. It is hard to not be disappointed. When will it all end? “How Long, O Lord? ”

We are people of faith. We believe! We follow – well – to the best of our ability. We make our plans. We hope God likes our plans, and yet we do not always ask God if that is the case – if He approves. Why do we do this? Because we are people who want to see results, the sooner the better. Our to-do list often tells the Lord what to do, what we expect of Him. We get caught up in our desire for things to turn out as we want them to, we grow tired of waiting patiently, and in our panic we miss God’s vision. We do not notice that in our struggle our hearts have turned to stone.

And the disciples turned to Jesus and said, “Increase our faith”.

It seemed like a good request. Who wouldn’t want more faith? On the other hand, Jesus had already given them quite a number of faith building and faith sharing exercises: take care of the poor, seek the lost, act like you are found, see people as neighbor, heal the wounds you can and be willing to leave more of your requirements behind you so that you might follow and receive what you truly need.

The disciples didn’t ask about how they might improve their response, after all they were following weren’t they? But “work-a-day faith” just wasn’t exciting enough. Being the Reign of God they prayed for wasn’t enough. They were looking for better results. They wanted to see the success of their plan in action. They wanted the miracles.

They didn’t ask about the Cross. Jesus had told them…but they didn’t ask. And Jesus admonished them, do the work. Stop looking for the reward. He made it so clear - when you have done everything I have asked of you, that would be a start. That was what was expected. The next step would be for them, for us, to open our hearts so that from there we might be drawn from ourselves into the Mind and the Heart of God. Are we listening?

And that Day would come. There would be a Cross and a Resurrection and the coming of the Spirit that would reset the hearts of the Disciples. Paul had been there. “I remind you to stir into flame the gift that you have . . . For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.”

We are born of water and the Spirit. We are raised up from the water and are strengthened by “hands” that promise companionship along the way for each and every one of us. We are called to be the living sign of Christ Jesus here and now, to show forth the Mystery and to partner the Reign of God.

We are not so much called to make plans for the Church or even our futures. We are called to live effectively as if Church mattered – as if Jesus mattered - in every part of our lives right now – this day. Success, wealth, safety, honor, popularity, good business plans, and fabulous buildings with great parking were not the headlines of Jesus’ list – nor should they headline ours.

There’s another children’s question with which we are familiar, “Are we there yet?” And the answer for us is, no, we aren’t. Not yet! God isn’t finished with us. Life is about getting there, every day, each day growing in caring and kindness, in service, in grace – in spreading the Love of God given to us fully and freely by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let us pray:

Lord God, Father and Friend of all: Teach us how to be patient, not wanting more, not wanting everything right now. Teach us to be loyal and true to You and to all those we encounter, especially those who love and trust us. Help us to live You Reign and spread Your Love. In Jesus Name, Amen.