02/10/2022

Sometimes Jesus words seem to be very harsh. I think that today the disciples make a reasonable request. They must have been a bit downhearted and ask for their faith to be increased. I have done this thousand of times this year let alone in my lifetime. Jesus "snappy" reply here recorded does not do much to encourage any of us as none of us know anybody whose "Faith" has actually moved anything in God's creation, our physical Universe.

The first reading  is a similar plea by the prophet to the Lord God of Israel for support in his quest for faithfulness and as usual with the Old Testament Prophets the complaints are clearly stated "Why do you set injustice before me?" The answer is quite straightforward. If you  have a clear conscience by avoiding sin, your faithfulness will ease your way through life.

St Paul counsels Timothy to always remember that he must increase his own flame of faith; for Faith is not timid, fearful but full of power and strength. It is the Holy Spirit of God to whom he has opened his heart.

The analogy with which Jesus' chastisement of the disciples concludes has proven a bit tricky for me to follow. I think he is saying that if the disciples do their duty. If we live life as he has shown us the way then we don't need to do anymore We are servants of Father, Son and Holy Spirit and as such we must do the will of God and be thankful that we can. We are never "masters" for the Lord our God is always the Evergreater.

Dear Lord let me continue this day in your care and let me always be attentive to your commandments. We are all your servants and it is only by pondering and following your revelations that we can live in righteousness. Your will for us has been laid out and no man can change what is your Divine Will. May Mary whose total obedience gave birth to your Incarnation and again held your souless body at the foot of the Cross cotininue to be the Mother of your Church on Earth. May her prayers and those of the whole Church be heard by you our God.