Today, once more, Jesus teaches us that miracles are measured by the measure of our faith: “Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move” (Mt 17:20). In fact, as St. Jerome and St. Augustine point out, in working out our saintliness (something clearly exceeding our own forces) we are actually in the process of “moving mountains”. Miracles do exist, and if we do not see more of them, it is simply because of our little faith, we do not allow Him to work them.

Before a disconcerting and incomprehensible situation, human beings react in many different ways. Epilepsy was considered an incurable illness, which was suffered by those possessed with evil spirits.

The father of that child expresses his love for his son by begging Jesus for his total healing. His behavior is shown as a true act of faith. He kneels down before Jesus and begs him directly, intimately convinced that his request will be favorably granted. How he expresses his request shows, at the same time, the full acceptance of his personal condition and his recognition of the mercy of the One who has compassion for others.

That father mentions the apostles have not been able to get rid of that devil. This element introduces Jesus' instruction while pointing out the little faith of his disciples. To follow him, to become his disciple, to collaborate in his mission demands a profound and well based faith, capable of supporting adversities, setbacks, difficulties and incomprehension. Faith is effective only when it is strongly rooted. In other passages of the Gospel, Jesus Himself laments the lack of faith among His followers. The expression “nothing will be impossible for you” (Mt 17:20) powerfully conveys just how essential faith is in following the Master.

God's Word places before us a reflection on the quality of our faith and how we deepen it, reminding us of the father’s attitude as he approached Jesus, pleading with all the strength of his loving heart.