18th Week in Ordinary Times : Saturday, 8th August 2026

In the first reading, Habakkuk is complaining: how can God just stand there and watch the worse evil (Babylon) destroy the lesser evil (Judah) without doing anything? He then uses a fishing metaphor. Babylon is like a ruthless fisherman who catches all nations (like fish) and worships his own power (like dragnet). Habakkuk fears Babylon will never stop and justice will never be restored. He then positions himself from speaking to God, to listening for God; from complaint to expectant faith.

We learn that it’s ok to be brutally honest with God. We can ask “Why?” and “How long?” without losing our relationship with Him. After we have poured out our complaint, we can take up a position on the “watchtower” of prayer and Scripture, waiting for God’s answer. God’s timetable is not our timetable. The fact that justice hasn’t come yet doesn’t mean it won’t come. To truly live in an unjust world is by persistence and trusting faithfulness in God.

The father of the epileptic son has faith that Jesus can heal his son and, indeed, Jesus does it. However, Jesus is disappointed with the lack of faith of the disciples. He admonishes them by saying that faith the size of a mustard seed is powerful enough to move a mountain. How large is our faith, especially in an unjust world? Are we faithful and trusting enough in God while waiting patiently for God to act on our behalf?

PRAYER Lord, help me to have faith and trust in You.