11/10/2025 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 17:1-6

1 Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur.
2 It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.
3 Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
4 And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.”
5 And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
6 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.”

11/10/2025 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 17:1-6

Jesus speaks to His disciples about three essential realities of Christian life: the certainty of trials, the call to forgive, and the power of faith. His words are both challenging and comforting, revealing the depth of what it means to live as His follower in a world that often tests our patience, humility, and love.

Jesus begins by saying that stumbling blocks are inevitable. “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come,” He declares. Life is full of moments when we are tempted, hurt, or offended. No one is exempt — not even the most faithful disciple. Yet, Jesus gives a strong warning: “Woe to anyone through whom they come.” This means that while it’s true that challenges will come, we must be careful not to be the source of another person’s downfall. In a world where gossip, judgment, and anger often dominate relationships, this teaching calls us to be instruments of peace, not division. We are reminded that our words and actions have the power either to lift others up or to tear them down.

Then Jesus moves to a second powerful teaching which is forgiveness. He says that if someone sins against you and repents, you must forgive them, even if they sin against you seven times in one day. At first, this sounds unreasonable. How can anyone forgive that often? Yet Jesus is not setting a limit on forgiveness; He is teaching that forgiveness must be a way of life. It’s not about counting offenses but about cultivating a heart that mirrors God’s mercy.

Forgiveness is one of the hardest acts of love. When someone wounds us deeply, the pain can linger. We may feel justified in holding on to resentment or anger. But when we do, we carry a burden that poisons our spirit and dims our joy. Jesus invites us to let go, not because the offense was small, but because His grace is greater. Forgiveness frees us. It restores peace in our hearts and opens the door for healing, both for ourselves and for others.

Hearing this command, the apostles respond, “Increase our faith!” They realize that such forgiveness and patience cannot come from human strength alone. It requires divine help. Jesus answers them with a profound image: “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” With these words, Jesus teaches that faith, no matter how small, is powerful when placed in God. It’s not the size of our faith that matters but the greatness of the One in whom we trust.

Even a tiny seed of faith including a sincere prayer, a quiet act of forgiveness, or a small step of trust, can bring about miracles. It can uproot bitterness, dissolve fear, and transform hearts. Many times, we underestimate what God can do through us. We think our faith is too weak, our prayers too small, or our love too imperfect. But Jesus reminds us that when we surrender our little faith to Him, He can turn it into something mighty.

In our world today, where anger easily spreads through social media, and where divisions often tear communities apart, the call of the Gospel is more relevant than ever. We are called to be witnesses of forgiveness and faith, people who build bridges rather than walls, who speak hope rather than hatred.

Let us remember: the Christian life is not free from offenses or disappointments, but we are never without grace. When we find it hard to forgive, we can whisper, “Lord, increase my faith.” When we are tempted to cause harm, we can pause and pray, “Lord, help me bring peace.” And when we feel weak, we can trust that even the smallest seed of faith, planted in God’s love, will grow strong enough to move mountains.

In the end, Jesus teaches us that faith and forgiveness go hand in hand, both rooted in love, both sustained by God’s mercy. Through them, we become true disciples: humble, compassionate, and strong in spirit, walking daily in the footsteps of our Lord.

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