faith matters
“The disciples approached Jesus at that point and asked Him privately, ‘Why could we not expel it?’ ‘Because you have so little trust.’ ” —Matthew 17:19-20
Jesus’ disciples could have freed a family from a demon and misery — if the disciples had possessed greater faith. There might be many bad situations in our lives which could have been transformed years ago if we had faith, even the size of a mustard seed (Mt 17:20).
It is obviously wrong to tell others that they are sick or have problems because of their lack of faith. We cannot determine the degree of others’ faith. Moreover, some of our sufferings are opportunities to enter into the mystery of Christ’s cross (see Phil 3:10). These sufferings should not be removed, but embraced.
Nevertheless, it is true that faith and the lack of it make a great difference. Not all mountains of suffering are movable, but some are (Mt 17:20). Jesus often attributes healing to the faith of the sick person (see Mt 9:22) or of his or her friends (see Mt 9:2). We should be honest enough to cry out to the Lord: “I do believe! Help my lack of trust!” (Mk 9:24)
Prayer: Father, “increase our faith” (Lk 17:5).
Promise: “Nothing would be impossible for you.” —Mt 17:20
Praise: St. Jane Frances de Chantal founded the order of the Visitation of Holy Mary for women rejected by other orders.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Healing and Faith, listen to, download or order our CD 11B-3 or DVD 11B on our website.)
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 4, 2023
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.