LUKE 17:5–6, THE POWER OF LITTLE FAITH
TRUST IN GOD THAT MOVES THE IMPOSSIBLE
Introduction
These words of Jesus arise immediately after his demanding teaching on scandal, repentance, and limitless forgiveness. Faced with such radical expectations, the apostles become aware of their own weakness and inadequacy. They realize that human effort alone is insufficient to live what Jesus asks. Out of this honest awareness is born a simple, humble prayer. Jesus does not rebuke their request but redirects their understanding of faith, revealing that what matters is not quantity but authenticity and total trust in God.
Bible Passage (Luke 17:5–6)
And 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.
Background
This short exchange is part of Jesus’ formation of his disciples on the road to Jerusalem in the Gospel of Luke. It follows teachings that expose the cost of discipleship and precedes further instruction on humble service. In Scripture, faith is never presented as mere intellectual belief but as complete reliance on God. Jesus situates faith at the center of the Christian life, not as a personal achievement but as a gift that grows through trust and obedience.
Opening Life Connection
Many believers feel overwhelmed by the demands of Christian life: forgiving repeatedly, resisting sin, carrying responsibility, and remaining faithful amid trials. Like the apostles, we often sense our limits and quietly ask God for more strength, more courage, and more faith. Jesus meets us precisely at this point of honest humility.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
The apostles’ prayer, “increase our faith”, is simple and sincere. It acknowledges that faith is not something we manufacture but something we receive. Their request is not for power or privilege, but for the inner capacity to live what Jesus teaches.
Jesus’ response shifts perspective: “if you have faith the size of a mustard seed”. The mustard seed, one of the smallest seeds known in the region, symbolizes what appears insignificant and fragile. Jesus teaches that even the smallest authentic faith, when rooted in God, carries divine power.
The image of commanding “this mulberry tree” to be uprooted intensifies the lesson. The mulberry tree had deep, extensive roots and was considered nearly impossible to remove. By saying “be uprooted and planted in the sea”, Jesus uses deliberate exaggeration to show that faith connects the believer to God’s power, not human capability.
Finally, “it would obey you” emphasizes that faith aligns the disciple with God’s will. Miracles flow not from human command but from communion with God. Faith is effective because God is faithful.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
In Jewish tradition, faith meant steadfast trust in God’s promises, especially amid hardship. Smallness was often chosen by God to reveal divine strength, as seen in figures like David or Gideon. The mustard seed image echoes wisdom teaching that God delights in working through what appears weak to shame what is strong.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church teaches that faith is a theological virtue infused by God at baptism and nourished through prayer, the sacraments, and obedience. Growth in faith does not depend on extraordinary experiences but on daily fidelity. Even fragile faith, when lived sincerely, opens the heart to God’s transforming grace.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux lived what she called the “little way.” With childlike trust and small acts of love, she transformed ordinary life into heroic holiness. Her life shows how mustard-seed faith can move mountains in God’s eyes.
Application to Christian Life Today
This Gospel reassures believers who feel spiritually small. God does not demand perfect faith, only real faith. Families, parishes, and individuals are invited to trust God in daily struggles, believing that even imperfect faith can bring healing, reconciliation, and courage when surrendered to God.
Eucharistic Connection
In the Eucharist, we receive Christ himself, the source and perfecter of our faith. Each Communion strengthens the seed of faith planted within us. Nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ, our small faith grows into courageous witness and faithful service.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Faith begins with humility and honest dependence on God.
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God works powerfully through small and sincere faith.
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Conversion means trusting God beyond human limits.
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Daily prayer nourishes faith more than extraordinary signs.
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Living faith means placing every impossibility in God’s hands.
Outline for Preachers
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Context of the apostles’ request after demanding teachings
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Human experience of weakness and limitation
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Key phrases explained: increase our faith, mustard seed, mulberry tree
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Jewish understanding of faith and divine power
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Catholic teaching on faith as a theological virtue
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Saint Thérèse and the witness of small faith
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Application to personal and communal Christian life
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Eucharist as nourishment of faith
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Core message and call to conversion
