Monday, 24^th February – Monday of week 7 of the year

Reflection: Mark 9: 14-29

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE

Over and over again, the Bible makes us understand that nothing is impossible with God (Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Luke 1:37; Matthew 19:26). God is our almighty Father, who created the heavens and earth and in whom all things exist. This realization is one that many Christians have as they have seen God act in marveling ways, defying any human explanation.

Today however, Jesus gives us another dimension to this age old truth: everything is possible to him who has faith (Mark 9:23). Although this is very much like the earlier expression, there is a difference. While the earlier expression puts the possibility in the hands of God, where it indeed rightfully belongs; the latter expression puts the actualization of this truth in the hands of men like you and I. This implies that although God has all the power in His hands, we would not benefit from His immense power if we do not put our faith and trust absolutely in Him. The father of the child in today’s reading asked Jesus to heal his son if he could. The boy’s problem has been on for years and the father sincerely desired a solution but was not absolutely sure Jesus could heal his son. Jesus’ response showed that God’s power is constant but the man’s faith was needed to activate God’s power to heal the boy.

Dear friend, what is that “impossible” situation you are tackling? What is that earnest desire of yours that seems unattainable due to the circumstances around you? Today, Jesus calls you to simply have faith in Him. He invites you to call out to Him in prayer with complete confidence (Mark 9:29) and with the expectation of an answer (James 1: 7-8, Matthew 7:7). When we pray, but still have doubts rising in our minds, like the boy’s father in our reading, let us ask Jesus to help our unbelief (Mark 9:24). Only then will we really experience the truth that everything is possible to him who has faith.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I trust in your infinite power. Please help me to approach you in faith when I face difficult situations. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2610 – Just as Jesus prays to the Father and gives thanks before receiving his gifts, so he teaches us filial boldness. “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will.” Such is the power of prayer and of faith that does not doubt: “all things are possible to him who believes.” Jesus is as saddened by the “lack of faith” of his own neighbours and the “little faith” of his own disciples as he is struck with admiration at the great faith of the Roman centurion and the Canaanite woman.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will” Mark 11:24 RSV-CE

Readings for today: James 3: 13-18; Psalm 19: 8-10, 15; Mark 9: 14-29