Where is your faith strong and what are your doubts?
We are often strong in faith in one area and weaker 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 heard his astounding words, they had seen him perform amazing miracles firsthand. 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 for more faith wanted to impress Jesus or possibly he was struggling with what he believed about who Jesus was. Regardless of the reason for the question, Jesus responds telling them that however much faith they have, it was sufficient to do all things. A truly powerful response to what may have been a fear-fueled request. He told them that they already possessed all the faith they needed. He told them that the tiniest amount of faith could do amazing 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 room for doubt…but Jesus focuses on the power of that “tiny faith” and not the doubt…and the reality that even with a tiny faith, great things can happen! Doubt it seems 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, to live the call of the Gospel!
We live in truly fearful times that cause so much doubt about the future of our country, our freedoms, our jobs, our personal and national security, our children’s and grandchildren’s futures. There is so much worry and doubt, but in the midst of all the chaos that swirls around us, let our faith in Jesus -- even if as tiny as a mustard seed -- be the rock we cling to in the midst of this chaos.
Let us allow the Holy Spirit that dwells within us, guide us and embolden us to resist the chaos and to work together for what we know is right, for what we know is true, for what we know is equitable and for what we know is just! Knowing we do not struggle alone, that the very presence of Divinity dwells within each one of us -- that is what makes all the difference in our struggle for a more peaceful and just nation and world.
Blessings on the journey,
Fr. Tim
We are often strong in faith in one area and weaker 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 heard his astounding words, they had seen him perform amazing miracles firsthand. 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 for more faith wanted to impress Jesus or possibly he was struggling with what he believed about who Jesus was. Regardless of the reason for the question, Jesus responds telling them that however much faith they have, it was sufficient to do all things. A truly powerful response to what may have been a fear-fueled request. He told them that they already possessed all the faith they needed. He told them that the tiniest amount of faith could do amazing 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 room for doubt…but Jesus focuses on the power of that “tiny faith” and not the doubt…and the reality that even with a tiny faith, great things can happen! Doubt it seems 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, to live the call of the Gospel!
We live in truly fearful times that cause so much doubt about the future of our country, our freedoms, our jobs, our personal and national security, our children’s and grandchildren’s futures. There is so much worry and doubt, but in the midst of all the chaos that swirls around us, let our faith in Jesus -- even if as tiny as a mustard seed -- be the rock we cling to in the midst of this chaos.
Let us allow the Holy Spirit that dwells within us, guide us and embolden us to resist the chaos and to work together for what we know is right, for what we know is true, for what we know is equitable and for what we know is just! Knowing we do not struggle alone, that the very presence of Divinity dwells within each one of us -- that is what makes all the difference in our struggle for a more peaceful and just nation and world.
Blessings on the journey,
Fr. Tim
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