A Matter of Faith
February 24, 2025 - Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Mark 9:14-29
When you first become a Christian, enter religious life, or embark on marriage, everything seems to fall into place effortlessly. There is joy in following Christ, prayers are answered quickly, sermons flow easily and touch hearts, and love feels limitless. But as time passes, challenges arise. The passion in marriage may fade, sermons become harder to prepare, and doubts creep in—was this the right path?
This is precisely the situation in today’s Gospel. Until now, Mark’s account has been filled with success—one healing after another, miracles at every turn. Even the disciples, empowered by Jesus, were able to heal and cast out demons. But now, they fail. And worse, the father of the possessed boy isn’t sure if Jesus himself can help: “But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Have you ever felt like that? Wondering if God will truly come through?
At the heart of today’s Gospel is the issue of faith. Biblical scholar N.T. Wright captures Jesus’ response with striking directness: “What’s this ‘If you can’ nonsense?” Faith is not about hedging our bets—it is about trusting completely. Yet, as difficulties mount, faith often wavers. A religion teacher once told students that Jesus could only encourage them but not truly help them. What kind of nonsense is that? And yet, isn’t that how we sometimes live—believing in Christ in theory but doubting his power when struggles arise?
Jesus declares, “Everything is possible for the one who has faith.” But is faith really that simple? How do we hold on when belief feels fragile? Here, the desperate father’s cry resonates deeply: “I do believe; help my unbelief!” His words may seem contradictory—does he believe or not? But faith and doubt often coexist in our hearts. We, too, find ourselves crying out: “Lord, I believe—help my unbelief!”
If we are to persevere in our journey, we need a faith greater than our own strength—a faith that only God can give.