Praying in the face of evil and violence

In the first reading, the prophet Habakkuk expresses sadness and outrage over the suffering and violence in the world. He cries aloud asking why God has not intervened. The prophet’s powerful words likely resonate with us, as we witness much violence in the world today. The first reading empowers us to give voice to our concerns, and it also reminds us to seek divine solace, refuge and action as a way to solve the many problems we face. Our struggles with gun violence and the ongoing wars around the world are examples of the violence that plagues us today, and we must call out to God for help as we also exercise our power and influence to help eliminate violence.

Reading the first reading and the Gospel in tandem can help us to draw insights from Luke’s Gospel. In the short Gospel reading, we encounter a statement that compares faith to a mustard seed and juxtaposes that with the size of a mulberry tree: “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.” Jesus calls on his followers to recognize the power of their faith, a power that might be underappreciated or even ignored. Considering this in light of Habakkuk’s cry for divine help, the Gospel reminds us to have faith in God’s presence and in our own power to effect change. 

The Gospel reminds us to take an active role in addressing the suffering of the world, mindful of the challenges but committed to doing the work to fulfill the Gospel call to love.

The rest of the Gospel reading uses a problematic image to teach an important principle. As is common in Luke, the evangelist uses imagery of master and servant to help his community reflect on their relationship with God and one another. In employing the imagery, Luke notes expectations of servants: plowing, tending sheep in the field and preparing meals, all without expecting any thanks for their work. We should not minimize the difficulty of this language which has in mind servitude and enslavement. Luke uses the language to prepare the apostles for their mission. They should be prepared to work hard and fulfill the obligations of being a follower of Christ, in particular to care for the poor and vulnerable in the world. Their actions, while essential to the Gospel, might not garner praise or thanks.

As we reflect on the suffering that is in the world, today’s readings call us to approach these issues with an eye towards God and towards our own power and agency. Habakkuk models the honesty and frustration that might be given voice in our prayers, complaining and begging for God to intervene. We, similarly, should be intentional in seeking divine help and intervention. The Gospel reminds us to take an active role in addressing the suffering of the world, mindful of the challenges but committed to doing the work to fulfill the Gospel call to love.