8/8/2026 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 17:14-20

14 A man came up to Jesus, knelt down before him,
15 and said, “Lord, have pity on my son, who is a lunatic and suffers severely; often he falls into fire, and often into water.
16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.”
17 Jesus said in reply, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring the boy here to me.”
18 Jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him, and from that hour the boy was cured.
19 Then the disciples approached Jesus in private and said, “Why could we not drive it out?”
20 He said to them, “Because of your little 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. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

8/8/2026 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 17:14-20

Theme: Faith That Moves Mountains

After coming down from the mountain of transfiguration, Jesus was immediately met by a desperate father whose son was suffering terribly. The father had first brought his son to the disciples, but they were unable to help him. Jesus then intervened with compassion and power, bringing healing to the boy. Later, the disciples privately asked why they had failed. Jesus pointed them to the issue of faith, teaching that even faith as small as a tiny seed can accomplish what seems impossible when it is placed in God.

This passage reminds us that God is not looking for great people but for people with genuine faith. The word MOVE helps us remember how to develop a faith that overcomes life’s greatest obstacles.

M – Meet God with Humility

The father did not pretend to have all the answers. He came to Jesus with a broken heart and an honest need. His humility opened the door for God’s intervention. Likewise, the disciples learned that past experiences and positions of ministry were not enough. They still needed to depend on God.

Humility is the starting point of faith. God works through people who recognize their need for Him. Pride says, “I can handle this.” Faith says, “Lord, I cannot, but You can.”

Whenever we face problems too big for us, our first response should not be panic but prayer. Bring your burdens honestly before the Lord, trusting that He welcomes those who seek His help.

O – Overcome Doubt with Faith

Jesus explained that the disciples’ failure was not because the problem was too difficult but because their faith was too small. He compared true faith to a mustard seed, not because of its size alone, but because it is living, growing, and full of potential.

Faith is not measured by how loudly we pray or how confident we sound. It is measured by how completely we trust God.

Many “mountains” stand before us today: broken relationships, financial struggles, illness, fear, discouragement, and impossible situations. These mountains often appear larger than our faith. Yet Jesus reminds us that even small faith, when placed in an almighty God, is more powerful than the greatest obstacle.

Do not focus on the size of your mountain. Focus on the greatness of your God.

V – Value God’s Power Above Your Ability

The disciples had previously experienced success in ministry, yet on this occasion they failed. This taught them a valuable lesson: God’s work cannot be accomplished by human ability alone. It is easy to rely on education, experience, talent, or resources. While these are blessings, they are never substitutes for God’s power.

Every day we should ask:
“Am I depending on my own strength?”
“Or am I relying on the Lord?”

God often allows us to encounter situations beyond our ability so that we learn to depend more deeply on His power. When we acknowledge our weakness, we make room for His strength to be displayed.

E – Expect God to Move

Jesus concluded by teaching that genuine faith can move mountains. This does not mean that believers can accomplish anything they desire by sheer determination. Rather, it means that no obstacle can prevent God from fulfilling His will when we trust Him wholeheartedly.

Faith gives us confidence to keep praying even when answers seem delayed. It gives us courage to continue serving even when results are unseen. It gives us hope when circumstances appear impossible.

Expect God to work, not always according to your timetable or your plans, but always according to His wisdom and His love.

The God who healed the boy is still at work today. He continues to transform lives, restore families, strengthen weary hearts, and accomplish what human strength cannot.

Everyone faces mountains. Some are visible, while others are hidden in the heart. But no mountain is greater than the God we serve.

Remember MOVE:
M – Meet God with Humility: Bring every need to Him with a trusting heart.
O – Overcome Doubt with Faith: Trust God’s greatness more than your circumstances.
V – Value God’s Power Above Your Ability: Depend on His strength, not your own.
E – Expect God to Move: Believe that He is able to do what seems impossible according to His perfect will.

When your faith is rooted in Christ, even if it begins as small as a mustard seed, it will continue to grow. And as it grows, you will discover that God is still in the business of moving mountains, changing lives, and doing the impossible for those who place their trust in Him.

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