What are your doubts and where is your faith strong?
We are often strong in faith in one area and weak or doubtful in another area.
In today’s Gospel we hear the apostles asking Jesus to increase their faith, a seemingly appropriate
request. But Jesus rebuffs their request.
Why do they need more faith? They were with Jesus in the flesh...they had seen his miracles firsthand...they had heard his preaching — what more did they need?
Perhaps they were fearful of their doubts. Perhaps they saw that some in their group had more faith than others. Perhaps the one who asked wanted to impress Jesus or possibly he was struggling with his own faith in Jesus.
Regardless of the reason for the question, Jesus responds basically telling them all that however much faith they have, it was sufficient to do all things.
I often have conversations with folks about faith and doubt, sometimes people express a sense of shame or embarrassment at what they perceive as “a lack of faith”. And yet in today’s Gospel Jesus tells us that even faith the size of a mustard seed is sufficient!
That leaves all kinds of room for doubt...but Jesus focuses on the power of that “tiny faith” and the reality that even with a little faith great thing can happen! Doubt is the other side of the coin of faith.
My takeaway from this Gospel is that while we all have doubts, just like the apostles, the faith we do have is sufficient to do what we have been called to do! To put our discipleship into action!
In and through the power of the Holy Spirit, that lives within each one of us, we can indeed respond by living the Gospel way of life, building up the Reign of God through working for justice and building peace in the world.
What are my doubts, and where is my faith strong? What actions will I take this week to live out my discipleship?
Blessings,
Fr Tim
We are often strong in faith in one area and weak or doubtful in another area.
In today’s Gospel we hear the apostles asking Jesus to increase their faith, a seemingly appropriate
request. But Jesus rebuffs their request.
Why do they need more faith? They were with Jesus in the flesh...they had seen his miracles firsthand...they had heard his preaching — what more did they need?
Perhaps they were fearful of their doubts. Perhaps they saw that some in their group had more faith than others. Perhaps the one who asked wanted to impress Jesus or possibly he was struggling with his own faith in Jesus.
Regardless of the reason for the question, Jesus responds basically telling them all that however much faith they have, it was sufficient to do all things.
I often have conversations with folks about faith and doubt, sometimes people express a sense of shame or embarrassment at what they perceive as “a lack of faith”. And yet in today’s Gospel Jesus tells us that even faith the size of a mustard seed is sufficient!
That leaves all kinds of room for doubt...but Jesus focuses on the power of that “tiny faith” and the reality that even with a little faith great thing can happen! Doubt is the other side of the coin of faith.
My takeaway from this Gospel is that while we all have doubts, just like the apostles, the faith we do have is sufficient to do what we have been called to do! To put our discipleship into action!
In and through the power of the Holy Spirit, that lives within each one of us, we can indeed respond by living the Gospel way of life, building up the Reign of God through working for justice and building peace in the world.
What are my doubts, and where is my faith strong? What actions will I take this week to live out my discipleship?
Blessings,
Fr Tim
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