2/24/2025 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reading: Mark 9:14-29

14 As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John and approached the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them.
15 Immediately on seeing him, the whole crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to him and greeted him.
16 He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?”
17 Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit.
18 Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.”
19 He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.”
20 They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth.
21 Then he questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood.
22 It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
23 Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.”
24 Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!”
25 Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!”
26 Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!”
27 But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.
28 When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why could we not drive the spirit out?”
29 He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”

2/24/2025 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Mark 9:14-29

In this Gospel reading, we encounter a desperate father who brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus. The disciples had tried to cast out the spirit but failed. When Jesus arrives, the father pleads, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus responds with a challenge: “If you can? Everything is possible for one who believes.” In tears, the father cries out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Jesus then rebukes the spirit and heals the boy.

This passage teaches us three powerful lessons about faith, doubt, and the power of prayer.

1. Faith Is Not About Feelings but Trust in God
The father’s words — “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” — show a struggle we all face. Sometimes, we think faith means having no doubt, but true faith is bringing our doubts to God and trusting Him anyway. The father didn’t have perfect faith, but he had enough to cry out to Jesus. Faith is not about the size of our belief but the object of our belief. Even a small faith in a great God can lead to miracles.

In life, we may face challenges that seem impossible — sickness, financial struggles, broken relationships. Like the disciples, we may feel powerless. But Jesus reminds us: everything is possible for one who believes. This doesn’t mean God will always answer our prayers exactly as we expect, but it means we can trust Him to work for our good.

2. Prayer and Dependence on God Bring Breakthroughs
After the miracle, the disciples privately ask Jesus why they failed. He answers, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” This teaches us that some battles require a deeper level of dependence on God. The disciples had likely relied on their past experiences rather than seeking God in prayer.

How often do we try to handle things on our own, forgetting to pray? Sometimes, we get frustrated when our efforts fail, but Jesus reminds us that some victories only come through a life of prayer. When we spend time with God daily, seeking His presence, our faith is strengthened, and we become more aligned with His power.

3. Even in Weakness, God Responds to a Sincere Heart
The father’s prayer — help my unbelief — is one of the most honest prayers in Scripture. He didn’t pretend to have strong faith; he simply came to Jesus as he was. And Jesus answered!

God does not demand perfect faith from us. He wants sincerity. When we struggle with doubt, we can be honest with Him. Instead of hiding our fears, we can say, Lord, I trust You, but I need Your help to trust You more. He will not turn us away.

Keep Believing, Keep Praying
Whatever you are facing today, know that Jesus is able. Even if your faith feels small, bring it to Him. Keep believing. Keep praying. Your breakthrough may be just a prayer away!

Go here to read further Gospel reflection.