will you accept the faith-challenge?
“Everything is possible to one who has faith.” —Mark 9:23, RNAB
What if someone said to you: “What an unbelieving lot you are”? (Mk 9:19) What if Jesus gave you the impression that you needed greater faith? Would you take correction about your faith without becoming defensive? Like the father of the possessed son, would you confess and admit: “I do have faith! Help my lack of faith”? (see Mk 9:24)
It is not necessarily a good idea to suggest to others that they are lacking in faith. But it is good to accept a challenge to grow in faith. We should frequently pray: Lord, “increase our faith” (Lk 17:5). Because the Lord’s gift of faith is so precious, we should be willing to do whatever it takes — even suffer — so as to receive the gift of more faith (see 1 Pt 1:6-7). Because even a slight increase of faith can move a mountain (see Mt 17:20), it makes sense to orchestrate our lives so as to have maximum receptivity to the gift of faith.
Therefore, let us live to grow in faith. Let us have faith to live fully the abundant life in Christ (see Jn 10:10).
Prayer: Father, may I pray and fast in faith to drive out demons (see Mk 9:29; Mt 17:21, NAB).
Promise: “Fear of the Lord warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and length of days.” —Sir 1:10
Praise: Don and Marsha started a prayer ministry at their parish festival. They greeted all who entered the festival and offered to pray with each person for their needs.
Reference:
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2025, through March 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 22, 2024"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.