THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Monday of 32^nd week in Ordinary time, 2021

Wis 1:1-7

Ps 139

Luke 17:1-6

Increase our faith

Many of us may be able to reflect over our lives and identify those who helped to nurture our faith. Our parents may come to mind, as well as teachers or what could be termed faith friends. We give thanks for all those people who helped to bring us closer to the Lord. 

At the beginning of today’s gospel reading, Jesus draws attention to the negative effect that people can also have on the faith of others. He issues a strong warning to those who lead members of the community of faith astray by placing an obstacle in the way of their faith. The Greek word that is translated ‘obstacle’ gives us the English word ‘scandal’. We have had to live with scandals of various kinds within the church in recent times. Such scandals have been a feature of the church’s history since the earliest days of the church, taking different forms at different times. No one can deny that the more recent scandals have undermined and weakened the faith of many. It is possible for any one of us to lead others astray, to undermine their faith in the Lord. 

This realization may be behind the request of the disciples to Jesus towards the end of the gospel reading, ‘Increase our faith’. It is a prayer we can all make our own. If we are to nurture the faith of others, rather than become an obstacle to their faith, we need the Lord to keep increasing our faith. Yet, Jesus’ response to the prayer of the disciples suggests that we should never underestimate the power of even our little faith, faith the size of a mustard seed. If we keep seeking the Lord, even out of our little faith, then he will work powerfully through that little faith to build up the faith of others.

Let us pray: Father, may your love and truth rule my heart that I may give good example to others and guide those who need your wise instruction and help. Amen.

+Remain blessed