The Faith Factor

10-05-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

We all experience problems, trials, sufferings, and misfortunes that sometimes lead us to question our faith. Should we not request the Lord for the same appeal: Increase our faith. The disciples asked Jesus sincerely to increase their faith, knowing the weakness of their faith, and aware of their tendency to fear and doubt. The greater our fear, the lesser our faith. The greater our faith, the lesser our worries. Often, we have faith not so much in God, but in our own efforts, skills, or re- sources. In truth, we are still men and women of little faith.

I recall the story that when Napoleon was emperor, St. Vincent de Paul had already established the "Daughters of Chari- ty." Incidentally, we just celebrated the feast day of St. Vincent de Paul last September 27th. According to the story, a man praised the skies for the philanthropic works of a wealthy and confident man. Hearing this, Napoleon interrupted, saying, "Give me the sisters of the Daughters of Charity anytime." He knew that the faith-filled works of the sisters, although humble and straightforward, who labor with much love and service, would have a more genuine impact and bring greater good than all the external work of philanthropy.

What does the faith the size of the mustard seed mean? Many people misinterpret the meaning of Jesus' words. When things do not go our way, despite putting our faith in God, does it mean that our faith is not as small as a mustard seed, but probably much smaller? The Lord is not discouraging us that our faith is insignificant. His words should console us rather than discourage us. We don't need faith like Abraham to effect positive change on us, someone, or something. The Lord is asking us to give him a bit of faith, and He can do great things for us. The Boy with the Bread and Fish in the Gospels (Mt 14, Mk. 6, Lk. 9, and Jn. 6) is a powerful reminder of how Jesus can miraculously multiply what we have if we surrender it to Him, just like the feeding of 5,000, plus the women and children, and after having their fill, ended with twelve baskets of leftovers. In the same way, Jesus can take a mustard seed of our faith and transform it into a mighty tree that stands tall in the midst of the ocean.

A man of faith is to have a deep relationship with Someone greater than us, and who loves us. It is more than professing, proclaiming, and talking about God, or about creed and beliefs, as about trusting HIM enough to establish a personal relationship. Involves faithfulness to our calling, our duty, or commitment. At the same time, the lack of it can be equated with our lack of faith. If we always acknowledge God and are obedient to Him, we will ultimately become faithful servants to our Master. We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do. Faith makes us humble and grateful for God's blessings and grace. The more we grow in faith, the more we see the greatness of God and our littleness before Him.

Little faith can be efficacious in performing great deeds. All that we can accomplish is nothing compared to what God can achieve by means of a man of faith. Have faith, the size of a mustard seed, as God's way of encouraging us. We may have little faith now, but go ahead and step out with it anyway. Sometimes it takes just a small ounce of faith to start serving the Lord. Let go, and let God. He takes what we have and uses it to do great things. Consider the faith of our parish leaders, for they recognized the need for a church dedicated solely to the Eucharistic Celebration, in honor of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne. They planted the small seed of faith, and soon we will be dedicating a worthy Temple of the Lord.

October is Rosary month. Carrying a rosary with us is already a sign of faith and a powerful way of reminding us that the Blessed Mother (Mama Mary) is present on our journey.

We pray, Lord, please instill in us and increase our faith. Amen.