The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, August 12, 2006
Saturday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Hebrews 1:12—2:4
Psalm 9:8-9, 10-11, 12-13
Matthew 17:14-20

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"If you have faith the size of a mustard seed . . . ."

Jesus once again asks us to have a little faith. Why would the demon not come out? Because we didn't believe that it would. But we have to be careful here. People often get caught up in the "why aren't my prayers being answered?" question. And the reality is that every prayer is answered in the way that is best for us.

Faith allows us to see clearly and to ask rightly. Demons will not come out if we ask for a gift of apples. The poor will not be fed if we beg the Lord to drive the demons away. Our prayers must reflect our faith and the circumstances. And most importantly of all, our faith must reflect our trust in the perfection of God's plan. Whenever we pray, the final words should always be, "Nevertheless Father, thy will be done, not mine."

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)