[ Today's Readings ]
But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."
Jesus said to him,
"'If you can!' Everything is possible to one who has faith."
This father of the boy possessed by a mute spirit does indeed doubt. But he also believes. He comes to a critical juncture where he has to trust Jesus and his faith is not sufficient. When he comes up against this insufficiency he does not despair. Instead he asks for more.
Then the boy's father cried out, "I do believe, help my unbelief!"
Faith is not strictly binary, on and off. It is rather something in which we grow. A little bit goes a long way, like a mustard seed. A little bit is enough to make an infinite amount of growth and expansion possible.
"Why could we not drive the spirit out?"
He said to them, "This kind can only come out through prayer."
Continued growth requires prayer. It requires that we keep open the conversation between ourselves and the God who makes and sustains all things. Otherwise when we encounter the demonic in the world we will forget the help we have available and trust in ourselves instead. Trusting in ourselves alone we fail. But when we see God's hand at work in all things we remember to have faith. We remember to ask for more when we do not have enough.
All wisdom comes from the LORD
and with him it remains forever, and is before all time
The sand of the seashore, the drops of rain,
the days of eternity: who can number these?
Heaven's height, earth's breadth,
the depths of the abyss: who can explore these?
Before all things else wisdom was created;
and prudent understanding, from eternity.
Wisdom does not forget and does not doubt because before her eyes is a constant remembrance of the power and mercy of God. Wisdom herself is grace given to the friends of God. Let us open ourselves to the wisdom so that we pray always. In praying we receive ever deeper faith.
And he has made the world firm,
not to be moved.
Your throne stands firm from of old;
from everlasting you are, O LORD.
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