Habakkuk lived probably sometime in the seventh century BC, when the power of Babylon was growing. It was a time of upheaval and his uncertainty about God’s plan has relevance for today, when we see political leaders answerable to no one and unspeakable violence against the innocent. In his dialogue with God, the prophet is reassured that he is at work and will use unexpected means to defeat his enemies. Habukkuk is content to trust.
The theme of trust is taken up in the gospel, where Jesus tells the disciples they could do marvellous things if their faith was only the size of a mustard seed. He seems to be telling them that he is not going to wave a magic wand to produce more faith but simply that should act out the faith that they already have.
Jesus’ life was one of service. His image of the life of a servant suggests that a Christian must be tireless in serving God and neighbour. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) indicates that each of us are given gifts to use for the glory of God. St Peter Claver used his for the benefit of the African slaves in Cartagena and St Vincent de Paul used his to help the poor. St Thérèse of Lisieux, in the confines of Carmelite life, performed small deeds of kindness which are a model for those who can only do ordinary, unspectacular things.
“God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer and makes me tread upon the heights." (Habakkuk 3:19)