… True discipleship is not about applause or reward, it’s about service
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the Gospel we hear this Sunday, is more than a passage from Scripture. It is a mirror held before us, reflecting our own lives and struggles. When the apostles cried out, “Increase our faith!” they spoke words that resonate deeply with us today. How often do we feel the same? Parents striving to raise their children in an uncertain economy, young people searching for direction in a noisy and confusing world, families battling illness, and workers unsure of tomorrow’s bread—these situations make us lift our eyes to heaven and cry, “Lord, help us.
Strengthen our faith!” And what does the Lord answer? That even faith as tiny as a mustard seed can move mountains. Think of the student who, despite lacking resources, perseveres with trust in God’s providence. Think of the family who prays together and clings to hope even in hardship. These are living examples of mustard-seed faith. Small, yes, but powerful in the hands of God. Yet, Jesus also reminds us of something equally important: humility in service. In our world today, many expect recognition for every little act.
But the Lord teaches us that true discipleship is not about applause or reward. It is about service—quiet, faithful, and often unseen. The teacher shaping young minds, the health worker caring for the sick, the parishioner sweeping the Church floor—these humble acts, unnoticed by many, shine brightly before God. So, my dear people, this Gospel calls us to live differently: to serve with humility, to believe with trust, and to labour for the Lord without seeking human praise.
Our true reward is not in applause but in the joy of knowing that we have done our duty before God. Let us, then, make this our daily prayer: “Lord, increase our faith,” that we may remain humble, steadfast, and fruitful servants in a world longing for witnesses of faith and service. Amen.
• Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos.
