Ord.Wk 18th: Saturday 12th August, 2023 August 12, 2023

Reflection on the WORD

Power of Prayer – Faith: In today’s Gospel, Jesus expelled the devil from a boy, and exclaimed that the reason why His disciples were not able to do so, was because of their lack of faith.  Ponder on: Expelling devils and working miracles,canonly be donewith God’s power.  Is our faith deep enough so that God’s power can work through us?

Matthew 17:14b-20

A man came up to Jesus and went down on his knees before him. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘take pity on my son: he is demented and in a wretched state; he is always falling into fire and into water. I took him to your disciples and they were unable to cure him.’ 

In reply, Jesus said, ‘Faithless and perverse generation! How much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to me.’ And when Jesus rebuked it the devil came out of the boy, who was cured from that moment. 

Then the disciples came privately to Jesus. ‘Why were we unable to drive it out?’ they asked. He answered,’ `Because you have so little faith. In truth I tell you, if your faith is the size of a mustard seed you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you.’

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  •  Jesus is reprimanding His disciples for their lack of faith. They slept, ate and followed Him and yet, their faith remained shallow.
  • We too have the many teachers, priests to help us grow in our faith. We attend Bible classes, seminars on faith and frequent the Sacraments, yet we struggle to live our faith in God’s ways.
  • How is God challenging us to deepen our faith in Him?  Are there obstacles and attitudes that prevent us from doing this?