“Increase our faith.” (Luke 17:5)
Have you ever tried to wiggle your ears? Everyone is supposed to be born with the right muscles. All you have to do is clench your back molars to activate the muscles. But most people still find it impossible to do.
In today’s Gospel reading, the apostles ask Jesus to give them something that they feel is impossible to attain without him: increased faith. In response, Jesus tells them that they already have all the faith they need. He goes so far as to say that even if their faith were as tiny as a mustard seed, they could do something as amazing as teleporting a tree into the ocean. This tiny mustard seed, which was well known for rapidly growing into a nine-foot tall plant, must have created a clear image of hope for the discouraged apostles.
Did you know that you have sufficient faith to do great things as well? You may feel inadequate, but the real question is how you can tap into the faith that you already have—and as a result make it even stronger. Here are a few ideas.
Read the Bible. St. Paul tells us: “Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Immerse yourself in Scripture, and watch your knowledge, love, and trust in God grow.
Exercise your faith. St. James once wrote: “Faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). Take the initiative to do God’s work on earth—especially in helping the poor and needy. Just as you would exercise your arms to make them stronger, exercising your faith will only strengthen it as you see God’s blessings on your work.
Journal. Many saints, like Augustine, used journaling as a way to deepen their faith. Jot down those times that the Lord has answered your prayers, and reread those accounts when you find fear or insecurity hampering your faith journey.
Just as that little mustard seed amazes people in the speed and breadth of its development, if you actively work on increasing your faith, you’ll look back and marvel at the growth you have made.
“Lord, show me the path to increasing the faith that you have already given me. By your Spirit, equip me to love and serve you even more.”
Titus 1:1-9; Psalm 24:1-6