… “I have faith. Help my lack of faith!” Mark 9:24
The boy’s father is so much like most of us today. Our distress seems incurable. Our ailments are traumatic and have lasted for years. The best representatives of God fail us. Thus, when we are in his presence, we don’t expect much. We believe in Christ. But, we have been accustomed not to expect much. Marriages fail, addicts relapse, friendships remain broken, goals are unfulfilled, and hope is dashed to pieces because we have been accustomed not to expect much.
Cleat on the Creek (© John Gresham)
Jesus gives rebuke and retort with restoration in this case. He bemoans faithlessness. Not just the father, disciples, and scribes. The entire generation is criticized for lack of faith. A blind man believed with no doubt. So did a lame man who may or may not have been seeking a physical healing. Yes, Jesus was merciful and healed the son. But, mercy should not be taken for granted. We must come to the presence of God believing in him for who he is and that he is able.
Along with faith, let us also be dedicated to the power granted to us through prayer and fasting. A disciple must be disciplined to grow in communion with God and be disattached from the things of this world. Faith alone may be enough for some peace in mind. But, without strong communion with God and disattatchment from the world, adverse spirits will confound us.
Yours in Christ,
Brother Cyprian Bluemood
Order of Saint-Simon of Cyrene
