Matthew 17:14-20

Meditatio (Reflecting)

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. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Oratio (Responding)

Many people read this parable and think that Jesus is chastising them for not having enough faith (less than a mustard seed), but in reading a commentary by Peter Kreeft, he points out that instead what Jesus doing is chastising them for not uniting what little faith they do have…, to Jesus. Ultimately it is not their faith alone that move mountains, only god could do that. But god would only do that in response to the fervent prayer and faith of his followers. So, instead what he is saying is that if you had even the smallest amount of faith, but it was fully united in love and faith to god, that you could, with gods help, do amazing things in this world. But alas, we human actually do have a lot of faith, maybe even more than a mustard seed, but because it is not united with christ, it languishes, and goes to waste. So what does it mean to unite your faith in Christ Jesus. I would explain it like this. The truth of christ Jesus requires a response. C.S. Lewis said that when faced with this question, there are only 3 responses…, that jesus is either a Liar, lunatic or Lord. It is only one of those answers, but the truth of christ Requires an answer. You either accept or reject it, that is the only logical reply, but ignoring it, being indifferent, is the crazy response. But sadly indifference is the most common response to this truth. That needs to be worked on. We should not be lazy, and expect the answers to come to us, we need to work at it, and to be strong and courageous in the face of doubt. So when you do finally confront this truth, and accept that Jesus is lord, it is at that point you must decide to change your life, to say that I can no longer continue to live as I did. You then unite every breath you take, every thing that you do, to the lord Jesus, You thank him for your joys, and unite them with his joy in heaven. Your offer your suffering to others, by uniting it with his suffering on the cross. You make your life a living testament to the power and grace of the lord. When you finally do that you will end up doing things even greater than moving mountains around, you might actually save a soul, and as James said…, saving a soul from sin, cover a multitude of sins. This is your call, take your faith, and unite it with christ, and you will see miracles.

Contemplatio (Contemplating)

Take time to simply remain in the presence of God.

Resolutio (Resolving)

Oh lord, help me today to fully unite my mind body and soul to you, and help me to serve as your hands and feet on this earth. To do your will and to help spread your kingdom on earth, Amen.