Jesus uses His journey to Jerusalem to instruct His disciples.  He warns against giving scandal to weaker members of the community or leading them into sin.  The disciples react as if they do not have enough faith to do what Jesus requires and ask him to “increase our faith”.  Jesus replies with a saying that is often taken to mean that the disciples do not have a grain of faith in them.  But Jesus’ words can be interpreted to mean, “Even a little bit of faith can do wonders; use the faith you have to live by my words.”  Like the servant in verses 7 to 10, the disciples of Jesus are to do what is asked of them, and not think themselves special for simply obeying.

The mustard seed was the smallest of all the seeds, but when the mustard bush is fully grown it is indeed a very large bush.  God can do great things with our little seed of faith – our mustard seeds of faith.  Jesus reminds us that we should not worry about how much faith we have, because even a small amount of real faith in Him is enough for doing anything God wants us to do.

God Bless,

Msgr. Powell