Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 12, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Saturday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Matthew 17:14-20

A man came up to Jesus, knelt down before him, and said, "Lord, have pity on my son, who is a lunatic and suffers severely; often he falls into fire, and often into water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him." Jesus said in reply, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring the boy here to me." Jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him, and from that hour the boy was cured. Then the disciples approached Jesus in private and said, "Why could we not drive it out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. Amen, I say to you, if you have faith 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today shares the account of Jesus’ healing of a man’s son possessed. The man reports to Jesus that he’d asked the disciples to cure the son, but they were unable to do so. Jesus cured the man’s son as he’d requested. Later, the disciples questioned Jesus as to why they themselves had been unable to cure him. Jesus told them that it was because of their lack of faith. Jesus tells the disciples that “nothing will be impossible for you” if you have faith, even faith as small as a mustard seed.

How does this pertain to us today?

This episode has meaning for us today because the need for faith in our requests remains imperative. Do we believe deeply and wholly? Do we trust in the promises of Christ? Does love motivate us?

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What is the state of my faith? Is it shallow, unable to withstand hardship or suffering? Do I trust in the promises of Christ?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, You call us to bring You into the world, to shine your light in the darkness, to touch others with your love for all humanity that comes from your Father, our Father. Send your Spirit to reinforce and purify our faith in You and our trust in your promises. Grant that our lives may bring glory to You as our Savior and to the Father Almighty from whom our salvation comes. Amen.