Luke 17:5-10

Meditatio (Reflecting)

If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey 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 that will uproot the tree and pant it in the sea, that is god that would 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 there was even the smallest amount of faith, but it was fully united in god in love and faith, that you could, with gods help, do amazing things in this world. But alas we human actually have a lot of faith, 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, Liar, lunatic or Lord. It is only one of those answers, but It 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, then 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 everything 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 greater than moving trees around, you might actually save a soul, and as James said, cover a multitude of sins. This is your call, take your faith, and unite it with christ, and you will see miracles happen.

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.