How many times have we all blurted that request/demand out in our mind or even out loud? In the midst of a crisis or in anger or in fear…Lord, why can’t I believe…

Well, the more things change, the more they stay the same, I guess. Even for the apostles— and most likely right down through human history—this just might be the most often asked question among mere mortals. In today’s Lukan Gospel we hear those closest to the Jesus Himself were at odds with their faith.

So, what is going on in today’s gospel and what are we to learn from it? Jesus is asked a profound question from His apostles that even today echoes in our own hearts when we are faced by the storms of everyday life or the challenges of today’s world. The positive to take from this question that the apostles (and each of us) asked this: that we recognize that the deepening of our faith and trust in God is the foundation of our relationship with Him. And when that foundation with God is strong and rich, then the choices we make—which impact our eternal destiny—benefit us in the here-and-now as well as in eternity.

Today, Jesus teaches us about the nature of faith. He reminds His apostles and us that even small amounts of faith can accomplish great things, it can “move mountains.” To paraphrase a quote from  Mother Teresa once said that in giving a gift, it is not the size of the gift that matters, but rather the amount of love with which it is wrapped. So too, Jesus is telling us it’s not the quantity of the faith we have but rather the quality of our faith. How deeply do we believe…is it with all our heart, all our mind, all our soul? It is with our very being? Further explaining this quantity versus quality  concern, the Lord then offers a parable that is meant to remind us that our faith is not about doing only our duty,” that which is obliged but rather it is about serving God in-and-with Love.  

The Lord invites us to a deeper faith and trust in Him, especially when we are overwhelmed or feel lost and wondering. He calls us in doubt to come closer, to hear and understand His Truth, and to become conformed to His Love. Then we can use our faith as a rudder in the turbulent waters of the daily life, sailing into a calm and peaceful harbor of Hope. For a practical application of this trust in the Lord, we ask the Lord to deepen our faith and grant us a true purpose of living out the faith… so next time there is an opportunity to feed the hungry or make street sandwiches, or the next  opportunity to support our youth ministry, or attend a Bible study or even join in with the prayer shawl ministry, ask the Lord to be the prime mover behind whatever it is that you are doing (making sandwiches or supporting the youth) and then you will know the reason  behind what you are doing: Love. And, that will draw you more deeply into Christ. Quality over quantity.