TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
9 AUGUST, 2025
Matthew 17:14-20
When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him.
“Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”
“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.”
Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.
Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
This passage highlights the necessity of faith in facing challenges that seem insurmountable. The disciples’ inability to heal the boy was not due to a lack of authority but to a lack of trust in God’s power working through them. Jesus uses the image of a mustard seed to teach that even the smallest measure of genuine faith can release God’s power in extraordinary ways. Faith is not about quantity but quality—trusting God completely, even when circumstances are daunting. Our struggles, doubts, and fears can be overcome when we lean on God’s strength rather than our own.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith when it feels small and fragile. Teach me to trust in Your power and not in my own abilities. Help me to remember that even faith as tiny as a mustard seed can move mountains when placed in Your hands. Remove my doubts, replace them with confidence in You, and let my life reflect Your power and love. Amen
