Increase Our Faith

Readings for Monday November 8, 2010

First Reading: Titus 1:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24
Gospel: Luke 17:1-6

Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur. It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.” And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Lk. 17:1-6)

In today's gospel, Jesus makes it clear to His disciples (and us) that we are to live a life avoiding sin and a life forgiving others. Certainly not an easy task, especially since it is much easier to give in to sin, and to hold grudges instead of forgiving. Jesus calls us to be more when following Him. It is certainly no wonder the disciples asked for Christ to "increase their faith" upon hearing these instructions. They knew that they would need a great faith in order to follow Christ, just as we all do.

We are called to such a higher purpose when we surrender ourselves to our Lord and Savior. When we surrender our lives to Him, we say "yes Lord, yes to your will and to your way, I will serve you with all my heart, mind, and strength." To serve the Lord with all that we have and all that we are, certainly takes a great faith. Let us ask our Lord, the giver of life, today and always, please increase our faith so that we might give our lives to Him ... as He did for us.

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, help us to follow you as good stewards of this life, as faithful and obedient sons and daughters. Lord, increase our faith so that we may not veer or waiver when doing your will. Lord, help us to have courage and strength through all that this life confronts us with. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.