Daily Reflections ...

Today’s Gospel shows the frailty of our humanity regarding faith. The disciples had been asked to cast a spirit out of a boy and although they had cast out demons before, this time they could not do it. Jesus seems to criticise their lack of faith: “You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you?” Perhaps they were feeling too confident in their own abilities or their faith in Jesus had wavered. 

In the case of the boy’s father, his lack of faith seems more evident as he openly doubts Jesus’ power “if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us”. Looking for relief in their oppressing situation, the boy’s father admits that he believes but his faith is not strong enough. His humbleness in asking Jesus to help his unbelief opens the door for the miracle for his son.

Jesus also tells his disciples that they needed prayer to cast out that spirit. In my personal life, when I come across oppressing circumstances: How do I react? Do I put all my trust in Jesus? Do I increase my prayer or do I wear down?

Jesus invites us to bring our littleness to him and to grow our faith and relationship through prayer.

Loving God we pray for courageous and humble hearts to surrender our limitations to you. Give us the grace to persevere in prayer and to cry out, like the boy’s father, “I believe; help my unbelief”.

by Liliana Ortiz