the year of faith
"What an unbelieving lot you are!" —Mark 9:19
Because of their lack of faith, Jesus' disciples couldn't help a man by freeing his son from a mute and deaf spirit (Mk 9:18). The father himself couldn't help free his son without praying for greater faith (Mk 9:24). The greater our faith, the better we can help, free, and love people. Therefore, we too should cry out to the Lord: "I do believe! Help my lack of faith!" (Mk 9:24, our transl.)
Do you love the Lord and people so much that you are trying to grow in faith? "Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see" (Heb 11:1). Faith in the Lord is the result of a good relationship with Him. Therefore, to grow in faith means to communicate more deeply with the Lord, to spend more time with Him, and to serve Him in greater self-sacrifice.
In October 2012, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed a Year of Faith. We still have several months remaining in the Year of Faith, so during this time, let's give Jesus prime time daily and deeply. Let's make this a year of increased faith. Let's grow in union with Him and thereby in faith. Then we will be able to show our love for Him and others as never before. Lord, "increase our faith" (Lk 17:5).
Prayer: Holy Spirit of Pentecost, produce in me the fruit of faith (Gal 5:22).
Promise: "Fear of the Lord is glory and splendor, gladness and a festive crown. Fear of the Lord warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and length of days." —Sir 1:9-10
Praise: St. Bernardine of Siena helped reform the Franciscans by his preaching on penance and conversion. He was well known for propagating devotion to the Name of his Best Friend, Jesus.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Hold Fast to The Faith on AV 71-1 or video V-71.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 2, 2012
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