"will he find faith?" (see lk 18:8)
"What an unbelieving lot you are!" —Mark 9:19
Sometimes the Lord does things in our lives whether or not we have faith. Often, however, the Lord wants us to make a free decision to accept His grace. We express our freedom by faith. For example, Jesus told the father of a demon-possessed son: "Everything is possible for anyone who has faith" (Mk 9:23, JB). The father realized that Jesus was calling him to have faith. So he exclaimed: "I do have faith! Help the little faith I have!" (Mk 9:24, JB)
In that situation, Jesus called not only the father to faith but also Jesus' disciples and the large crowd with them. Jesus said: "What an unbelieving lot you are! How long must I remain with you? How long can I endure you?" (Mk 9:19) Jesus felt frustrated with those who did not have or exercise faith. Jesus promised: "I assure you, if you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you would be able to say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible for you" (Mt 17:20). We are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8). "Without faith, it is impossible to please" God (Heb 11:6). But Jesus questioned: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find any faith on the earth?" (Lk 18:8)
Let us cry out to God: "I do believe! Help my lack of faith!" (see Mk 9:24)
Prayer: Father, increase my faith, even if I have to suffer.
Promise: "Fear of the Lord warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and length of days." —Sir 1:10
Praise: When Paul decided to stand up for Christ at work, he found he was not alone. Now several gather in Jesus' name (Mt 18:20).
Reference: (For a related teaching on Hold Fast to the Faith, order, listen to, or download our CD 71-1 or DVD 71 on our website.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018
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