The Nazareth Page  - A gospel meditation for your home

October 5, 2025 – Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 17:5-10

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
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Jesus seemed to have a particular interest in mustard seeds partly because it was a very small seed that, if everything went well, became a large bush that produced quite a few seeds. When Jesus mentioned such seeds, he didn’t only see the tiny seed, but its potential. What was small and easily overlooked became a wonderful bush whose seeds after processing became a spicy ingredient for various foods. Today I ask, what’s a hot dog without mustard?

Back to today’s gospel. I read it as a gospel calling for great effort and achievement, of encouraging us to try harder to do what’s best. But there is also a focus in the gospel that might be missed. Jesus talks about servants (very common in his day) and what they are called to do. As I reflect on this, Jesus basically acknowledges that there are “callings” that each of us receive. And it is within those settings that we are to live and “produce good fruit.”

I once thought I was called to be a Catholic priest. After years of study and trying to do my best as a seminarian, one day I was invited by my superior to stop by his office for a chat. In a very caring way, I was told that the community that I belonged to for many years has decided that I best seek my vocation elsewhere. So, I did.

I had to recalibrate almost every aspect of my life, but I also came to understand that the challenge of “perfection” remained. I eventually sought to be the best teacher, theologian, husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor that I could. Whether I achieved my goals is another matter. The point was that I tried.

I learned that the gospels, like the one this Sunday, calls each of us to be the best we can be given our personal roles and responsibilities. We all receive vocational invitations from God.  And at their deepest level, they not only contribute to our personal holiness, but they also enhance the lives of others.

Thus, there remains a challenge for all of us, no matters who we are or what we do. Each of us is called to live our life as best we can. We are all created to be saints, but each in our own way.

David M. Thomas, PhD