How many of us can identify with the frustration of the possessed boy's father (and the Apostles) in this morning's Gospel? Like any father of a sick child, he wanted a cure for him, a quick one. When the disciples could not drive the demon out of the lad, tempers rose, it seems, and arguments broke out. Happily, Jesus stepped in drove out the deaf and mute spirit, after the father assured him of his faith, "I do believe, help my unbelief." (Mk 9:24). Jesus then explains to the amazed and puzzled disciples that some spirits can come out only "through prayer." (Mk 9:29).
In our world of faster and faster internet, instant paint relief, and overnight delivery, we have come to expect that solutions to problems, or answers to requests will come with the snap of a finger. The lesson that things come in God's time through prayer has to be repeated over and over until we "get it." First faith, then prayer...and there's no time limit on either. May our faith grow until our prayer becomes simply, Lord, I can't force this, help me to submit to YOU and YOUR TIME, as I patiently let go of my "unbelief" and grow in trust.
Bro Rene
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