27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C)

"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."

Lk 17:5-10

v. 5. And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."

The apostles were the Twelve who were chosen from the disciples. They were sent to bring the good of news of salvation. The apostles are mentioned in the following passages in Luke: 6:13; 9:10; 11:49; 17:5; 22:14; and 24:10.

Matthew and John uses the term only once, while Mark uses it twice.

Unlike Paul, the gospel of Luke reserves the title “apostle” for the Twelve (Acts 14: 4.14).

v. 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.”

Other texts read “sycamore tree”.

v. 8. “Would he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished'?

An alternative translation to “put on your apron” is “gird your loins”. It actually means to take the folds of your garment (long tunic) and tie them at the waist. This is done to facilitate movement when one works.

This was how the Passover was celebrated (Ex 12:11). Although it originally pointed to the hurried departure of Israel from Egypt, it took on a new meaning—readiness to meet the Messiah who was coming.

v. 10. “When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

The disciple is reminded that no one is indispensable in the service of the Lord.