Sunday Thought – 5 October 2025

This Week’s Readings

• Lamentations 1:1–6; 3:19–26 – Honest lament at Jerusalem’s desolation, yet a turning towards hope: God’s steadfast love and mercy never cease.
• Psalm 137 or Psalm 37:1–9 – By the rivers of Babylon, grief over exile and displacement; or a wisdom psalm urging patience, trust, and waiting for the Lord.
• 2 Timothy 1:1–14 – Paul encourages Timothy to rekindle his gift, live with courage, and guard the good deposit of faith entrusted to him.
• Luke 17:5–10 – Even mustard-seed faith can achieve much, but disciples are called to serve humbly, without expectation of reward.

Reflection – “Faith, Hope, and Humble Service”

These readings hold together a movement from grief to hope, and from hope to faithful service.

In Lamentations, the poet gives voice to sorrow and devastation, yet dares to affirm: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.” Hope is born even in the ruins.

The Psalms give language to our longings. Whether exile’s lament or the quiet call to trust, they remind us that faith can endure through grief and delay.

In 2 Timothy, Paul calls Timothy — and us — to courage: to fan into flame the gift God has given, and to trust the Spirit of power, love, and self-control.

Finally, in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that even the smallest faith can move mountains. But such faith expresses itself in humble, unglamorous obedience — serving not for recognition, but because service is the way of the Kingdom.

Together, the readings assure us that lament can lead to hope, hope strengthens faith, and faith blossoms in humble service.

Prayer

God of mercy and faithfulness,

when we feel overwhelmed, turn our eyes to your steadfast love.

When our faith feels small, remind us that you can work wonders through it.

Teach us to serve humbly, love boldly, and hope steadfastly in you.

Amen.

Hymn Reflection – 

Singing the Faith 495

Dear Lord and Father of mankind,

forgive our foolish ways!

Re-clothe us in our rightful mind,

in purer lives thy service find,

in deeper reverence, praise;

in deeper reverence, praise.

— a hymn that moves from human restlessness to God’s peace, echoing the call to quiet trust, patient hope, and humble discipleship.