DO WE TRUST GOD? – 02/21/22 (Memorial of St. Peter Damian)

Mark 9:21-25

21 And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if You can do anything, have pity on us and help us." 23 And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!"

For the full readings, click here: 

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings

For more information on St. Peter Damian, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/february-21-saint-peter-damian-bishop-and-doctor-of-the-church/

Blessed Memorial of St. Peter Damian! There was a boy who was possessed by an evil spirit. Because the crowd was familiar with the miracles and exorcisms of Jesus, they brought the child to Him. However, not even His disciples were able to drive out the demon. The father of the child came to Jesus telling Him, "But if You can do anything, have pity on us and help us.” The father had the same issue with the disciples, and it was the lack of faith. He had a doubt whether Jesus could save his child. And yet, as our Lord reveals to us, everything is possible to people who have faith. The father acknowledged his lack of faith, and he still begged and cried out for help as a sign of his humility. 

Why did the father not fully believe whether Jesus could save his child or not? Perhaps, he felt hopeless because he knew the past of his son, that his child had always been possessed, and he was unable to help him. The father was also disappointed that the disciples of Christ were not able to drive the demons out because of their lack of faith. But, what seems to be impossible to us is possible with God. We may be aware of our loved ones, family members and friends who may not be following the will of God for them. No matter how we speak to them about Jesus, the Mass, and other things about the faith, they may not be really open to it. It also saddens us when we see some people who just seem to totally lost their path. But, if we feel hopeless, God is calling us to practice humility by trusting in His mercy. We cannot change a person. Only our Lord can, and He is telling us to entrust everything to Him in prayer with faith and hope that God can transform even the hardest hearts of sinners. Nothing is impossible to Him. It's up to us if we acknowledge our weaknesses and fully trust God's mercy, plan and timing. 

Let's reflect upon our thoughts and feelings regarding our loved ones who seem to be lost in their lives. Do we feel hopeless for them? Do we think it's impossible for them to change? If our answer to these questions is "yes", it's an invitation for us to admit our lack of trust in God and to beg for His strength and mercy. This is the time for us to trust solely on our Lord. Let's pray for them with the belief that God can free them from their sins and grant them the gift of salvation. 

Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic