The Gospel passage begins with a request from the apostles: “Increase our faith.” Pope Francis explained this passage: “Our faith is small, weak and fragile, but we offer it to the Lord as it is so that he can make it grow. We should make this our own invocation, “Lord, increase our faith!
Faith, with the image of the mustard seed, is a symbol of humility; in its meekness, faith feels a great need for God. In its smallness, it abandons itself with total confidence in God. It is a faith that gives us the ability to look with hope at the ups and downs of life and accept defeats and sufferings, knowing that evil has never had the last word.
Today’s Gospel teaches us that faith can realise the impossible: to uproot a sycamore tree or make a mulberry grow in the sea. Matthew and Mark do not speak of any tree but, of a mountain that could be moved with faith (Matthew 17:29; Mark 11:23). The message is, however, the same and can be summarised with the words of Jesus in another context: “Everything is possible for one who believes” (Mark 9:23).
A question spontaneously arises: How has no one ever done such miracles? Not even Jesus performed this. The miracles he spoke of are the possible changes that could be realised in the lives of those who believe. Some examples would help us understand this better. Have we not thought that some of the hatreds, grudges, and prejudices we experience in our relationships with others are unavoidable realities? Have we not thought that certain familial conflicts are irreconcilable? Have we not, at some point in time, retained that the roots of enmity are so deep and could not be pulled off? These mountains and trees prevent us from reconciling and relating with others.
For one who believes—Jesus says—no irremediable situations exist. Those who trust in his word will witness extraordinary and unexpected miracles; those who have faith do not rely on their strength but on God, who can do everything.
The month of October is dedicated in a special way to missions. Let us bear in mind the many missionaries, men and women who, in their efforts to bring the Gospel to the whole universe, have overcome obstacles of every kind, sacrificing their whole lives in and for the Mission of Christ. In the second reading, St Paul says to Timothy: “Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but take your share of suffering for the Gospel in the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8).
The faith we have is minuscule, but it is strong! We draw this strength from God in prayer. Prayer is the breath of faith. It is the dialogue of the soul with God.
October is also the month of the Rosary. Pope Francis reminds us of the tradition in the Church to recite the Rosary in honour of Our Lady of Pompeii, the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Most Holy Rosary, on the first Sunday of October.
For your reflection
The Rosary is a school of prayer. The Rosary is a school of faith!
Father Josekutty Mathew CMF
