Read Deuteronomy 6:4-13 and Matthew 17:14-20
“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.’” (Matthew 17:19-20)
In today’s Gospel passage, the disciples of Jesus could not cast out a demon from a boy and when Jesus came, he scolded them for having so little faith. Jesus said that if their faith was up to the size of a mustard seed, it would have been enough to cure the boy. What could be smaller than a mustard seed?
Jesus teaches us that little faith (faith that is smaller than the size of a mustard seed), is equal to no faith. If we believe at all, nothing will be impossible for us. If we doubt the power of God, we would just be like the disciples; struggling, shouting and panting but making no progress. Jesus did not need to shout, dance, or jump up and down. He simply spoke and the demon left.
Jesus said if your faith is as small as a mustard seed, all you need to do is to speak and things would begin to happen. There is so much power in the tongue. Even when you are not praying, your words still have the power to control what happens to you.
Be careful of your choice of words. Speak positivity. Things may be very rough for you. You may have several challenges and difficulties but always talk as a person of faith. Avoid the mistake of the Israelites who, while on their journey to the Promised Land, rebelled against God by their choice of words.
The fact that you prayed and did not get what you asked for does not mean that God does not care for you; it does not mean that God is powerless. Keep speaking faith-laden words. Trust God. As we hear in our first reading today, love God with all your heart, mind and soul. Your love for God should be such that you never get to rebel against Him by speaking negatively.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, I believe, help my unbelief. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 18 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Deuteronomy 6:4-13 and Matthew 17:14-20).