If you wish to read the texts click here: Titus 1:1-9; Lk 17:1-6
There are three units in this
section. The first concerns being a cause of scandal (17:1-2), the second is on
forgiveness (17:3-4) and the third is on faith (17:5-6). This section is
addressed to the disciples.
Since we are living in a sinful
world, occasions for sin will continue to be present, but humans cause these
and the one who is the cause for such an occasion must accept responsibility.
In a striking metaphor in 18:2 about a millstone being hung around the neck of
the one who causes scandal and he/she being cast into the sea, the Lucan Jesus
makes the point that the one who is responsible for causing the scandal will
not be able to escape the consequences of his/her action. Since this is a
warning addressed to the disciples, the term “little ones” in this context must
be interpreted as those who are just beginning to believe and so will need all
the help that they can get to enhance their faith. These must not be
scandalised.
The next unit concerns
forgiveness, but also speaks of rebuking the one who commits sin. This has to
with not turning a blind eye to the faults of others but challenging them to
rise higher. It is a matter of “carefrontation” rather than confrontation,
since it speaks also of forgiveness that must be granted if the offender
repents. In order to drive home the point of forgiveness, the nest verse (17:6)
is the command of Jesus to forgive repeatedly even seven times in a day.
The final section begins with a
plea to Jesus to increase their faith. This is an indication that faith is not
static but dynamic and continues to grow. It also means that the Lord can give
the grace required for faith to grow. In his response Jesus challenges them to
reflect on whether they have faith at all. It is not a matter of little or
great faith, but faith per se. If the faith of the disciples was even as small
as a grain of mustard seed they could achieve the impossible.
Is your Second Maxim inspired by this passage???
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