Our Sabbath Scripture Stories – 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle C

Read or listen to this Sunday’s Mass readings here.

  • Habakkuk 1:2-3 and 2:2-4
  • 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
  • Luke 17:5-10

An early morning knock at the door came as no surprise to the Pauline family.  They all knew who it was—it was Grandma and Grandpa Pauline!  They arrived early to go to Mass this Sunday with the family, and then they would all celebrate Grandma’s birthday!

“Happy birthday, Grandma!” Hillary, Lucy, and Ben shouted as they opened the door.

“And many more!” added Vincent, who gathered up their coats.

“This is a special day!” Mom added.  “We made a special brunch that will be ready when we get home from church.  And Mary Clare helped me with your cake— double frosting and double fudge!”

“Thank you, thank you!” was all Grandma could say, soaking herself in the hugs and well wishes.

Dad then re-entered, carrying his Bible.  “But first, Mom, before we leave for Mass, we need to go through our Gospel reading for today.  Will you do the honors of reading it for us?”

Grandma Pauline graciously nodded, and the family went in and sat around the living room.  Dad handed her the Bible, and she read the Gospel of Luke, chapter 17.  When she was finished, Grandma said, “This Gospel really means a lot to me.  Without my faith in Jesus Christ, I wonder how happy any of my birthdays would be.  In this reading, we hear about having faith as small as a mustard seed and still being able to move mountains.”

“How big is a mustard seed, Grandma?” Hillary asked.

“Let me answer, Grandma,” Vincent said as he chimed in.  “Well, Hillary, it’s the size of … an ant’s eye … a baby freckle … or ahhhh … my present bank account!”

Cute, Vincent,” Mary Clare said, laughing.  “The point, Hillary, is that even a small amount of faith can do mighty things!”

“I know that from the war,” Grandpa said.  “When I was a young pilot in World War II, I knew my faith in Jesus would keep me going.  It helped me fly my missions knowing that God would protect me.”

“And when the storm came last week,” Mary Clare added, “I knew in faith that we would be kept safe.  I stopped being frightened.”

Lucy nodded.  “And when I was at the carnival this summer, I went on the ferris wheel, and it stopped at the top!  I was really scared!  But then I thought of Jesus, and that calmed me down.”

“Well,” Grandma said, somewhat quietly, “Two years ago, you know, I went through my cancer treatments.  I thought I would never be able to get through it all.  But I took the hand of Jesus, and He walked with me, one day at a time.  I felt His love and power sweep through me!  My faith grew stronger and stronger.  And now I’m completely well, and I give all the glory and praise to God Almighty!”

The family all looked at each other and then looked at Grandma.  She was a special treasure to the family, indeed!  And her faith in the Lord was a shining example to all of them.

“Happy birthday, Grandma!” the family shouted again.  “And many, many more wonderful years!”

What is your definition of faith? 

Talk about the times your faith was built up!

Would you prefer a print a copy of this story?

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time – CDownload

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