First Reading
Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4

1. Can you relate to this reading from the Book of Habakkuk? The writer could no longer endure violence, abuse and oppression in the world. What about you? Where do the challenges of discipleship arise for you?

2. Habakkuk speaks of misery and violence. What helps you survive misery in your life? In a tough situation can faith sustain you? Do you need to exercise your faith in lesser matters in order to be ready?

Second Reading
2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

1. What did Paul say God gave us instead of the “spirit of cowardice?” How can we “stir into flames” the power of love and self-control? Can love overcome cowardice and be a weapon for Christians?
 
2. Discuss authoritarianism, empathy and openness. Which are signs of strength? And which of weakness? What about love or cowardice?

Gospel
Luke 17:5-10

1. Is quantity an issue when it comes to faith? Would an infinitely small amount of faith (a mustard seed’s worth) fulfill what Jesus promised to the apostles?

2. Do you know people, as Pope Francis suggests below, who, with “incredibly strong faith,” have moved mountains? Or as this Gospel asserts, have uprooted mulberry trees? Who are they? What have they accomplished? Can your faith help you do the kinds of things they did? Can it help you overcome obstacles?

The mustard seed is very small, but Jesus says that it is enough to have a faith like this, small, but true, sincere to do things that are humanly impossible, unthinkable. And it is true! We all know people who are simple, humble, but with an incredibly strong faith, who truly move mountains!

Pope Francis: Angelus Message
October 7, 2013