Theme: “Faith in Action: Doing the Work of Christ in a Broken World”
Texts: Lamentations 3:19—26 or Psalm 137; 2 Timothy 1:1—14; Luke 17:5—10
Beloved in Christ, last Friday, October 3, 2025, I had the privilege of attending two significant gatherings; the culmination of the season of creation and the 19th anniversary of the Martyrdom of Bishop Alberto Ramento of the IFI, along with receiving important news from the Anglican Communion Office—the appointment of the new Archbishop of Canterbury-designate. These simultaneous events speak profoundly to our life and witness as Christians in our present context.
First, I joined the National Council of Churches in the Philippines and the Roman Catholic brothers and sisters at the Good Shepherd Cathedral for the culmination of the Season of Creation, reflecting on the theme of stewardship and the restoration of our environment. It was a powerful reminder that our faith calls us not only to love our neighbor but to heal the wounded earth we have exploited through greed, neglect, and overconsumption.
As far as the Episcopal Church in the Philippines is concerned, we have actively participated in the ongoing call for ecological restoration and environmental preservation through initiatives such as solarization, rainwater catchment systems, intentional tree and mangrove planting, and the creation of an ECP or Diocesan Forest. These efforts form part of our continuing carbon offset program and our commitment to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Second, I had the privileged to attend the anniversary of the martyrdom of Bishop Alberto Ramento of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente a prophet and a fighter for justice, truth, and integrity. Bishop Ramento gave his life standing with the poor and denouncing corruption and oppression. His blood reminds us that discipleship, when lived faithfully, will always challenge the powers that destroy human dignity.
Third, I received the good news of the nomination and appointment of the Rt. Revd. and Rt. Hon. Dame Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury— Designate, the first woman bishop to occupy the historic See of St. Augustine. I have already conveyed our message of solidarity and congratulations. Unfortunately, some of our brothers and sisters within the Communion have expressed disagreement with her appointment, which makes her task even more challenging. She assumes this role at a difficult time for the Anglican Communion across the globe. I therefore appeal to everyone to keep her in your prayers.
These three events frame the Gospel message before us today—especially in a time when our nation once again groans under the weight of corruption, environmental destruction, and the betrayal of public trust. The Word of God calls us to live out our faith not with hesitation, but with courage, integrity, and decisive action against these current issues.
Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed
In today’s Gospel, the disciples plead with Jesus: “Increase our faith! ” Lk 17:5. They realize how difficult it is to forgive, to persevere, to live rightly in a broken world. Like us, they know the demands of following Christ, yet feel inadequate to meet them.
But Jesus’ response is surprising. He tells them that even faith the size of a mustard seed can uproot a mulberry tree. The message is clear: You already have what you need. What matters is not the quantity of faith, but the courage to act on it.
In our context, this speaks to our national life. Many of us pray for “more faith,” for “better times,” or “stronger leaders,” while our society continues to suffer from injustice, poverty, and the misuse of power. But Jesus says, Stop waiting. Start doing. Faith is not only a desire to nurture in private—it is a muscle to be used in public.
We already have the faith to speak truth to power that be. We already have the calling to care for creation. We already have the grace to live with compassion and integrity in a time of deceit, rejection, and division.
Faith in Action, Not in Words
Our Lord is, in a sense, weary of excuses. “Just do the work,” He says. Forgive, serve, restore, protect. In a society where corruption has once again enraged our people, and where the cries for accountability grow louder, discipleship demands not just prayers—but action; not just belief—but conviction and condemnation.
Like Bishop Alberto Ramento, we are called to embody faith that confronts injustice and oppression. Like those who marched for the earth during the Season of Creation, we are called to faith that protect and restores creation. Like those who accepted the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate, even though she is the first woman to occupy the historic seat, demonstrating a faith that transcends human perspective. Doing these three requires courage, sacrifice, and endurance.
As Paul reminded Timothy, “God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. “ Faith is not a refuge from the world’s problems—it is the power to engage them with hope and love.
Doing the Work We Have Promised
Jesus’ parable of the servant reminds us that our work as disciples is not about reward or recognition—it is about fidelity. We serve because it is “meet and right to do so.” We do what we have promised when we were baptized—to strive for justice and peace, to respect the dignity of every human being, and to care for God’s creation. And when we grow weary, we remember that Christ Himself bears the labor with us. He is the true servant who took upon Himself the burden of our sin and the pain of our world.
In the face of corruption and environmental collapse, in the weariness of the daily struggle for truth and integrity, we may feel small, insignificant, and powerless. But Jesus says: Faith as small as a mustard seed is enough.
Conclusion
My dear friends in Christ, as we end the month-long celebration of the Season of Creation, let us listen to the message of today’s Gospel which is very clear: we already have enough faith—now we must act.
Let us act with the courage of Bishop Ramento and Bishop Sarah, whose faith bore witness to justice, sacrifice, and service to God amidst trial and rejection. Let us act with the compassion and join those who care for creation, who plant trees, who restore rivers, who defend the poor. Let us act with the perseverance of Paul, who served Christ even from his prison cell.
In doing so, we become the living Church—bold, compassionate, and faithful stewards of God’s creation. For Christ has already equipped us- We do not need more faith. We need to live the faith we already have. Amen.
The Episcopal Church in the Philippines 