A lack of faith distresses Jesus (Mk 6:6). Jesus came into the midst of a crowd which lacked faith and expressed His exasperation quite openly (Mk 9:19, 23). Many of us are surrounded by crowds of people who lack faith. What is our comfort level in these crowds? Does it likewise distress us that people live lives lacking in faith? What kind of words do we speak when in the presence of a lack of faith? Do we say:
Or are we distressed by a lack of faith and speak as Jesus did?
After Jesus expressed His exasperation in today's Gospel reading, He challenged the father's faith (Mk 9:23), raised the father's level of faith (Mk 9:24), and then taught His disciples to expel demons by prayer and fasting (Mk 9:29; Mt 17:21, NAB). Are you distressed by a lack of faith enough to pray, fast, and speak as Jesus did? "Your attitude must be that of Christ" (Phil 2:5).
| PRAYER: | Father, give me the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). |
| PROMISE: | "Fear of the Lord warms the heart." –Sir 1:10 |
| PRAISE: | David fasts twice a week in penance and in petition for abortionists. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College